Trump, Biden meet at White House

WASHINGTON,— President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden met at the White House on Wednesday to address pressing issues, including Ukraine and the Middle East, in a meeting framed as a gesture of unity and continuity despite their contrasting policies.

The two longtime political opponents sat together in the Oval Office by a warm fireplace, a scene meant to signal respect and stability as the U.S. prepares for a change in leadership.

Describing the meeting, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called it “cordial, gracious, and substantive,” adding that the two leaders spoke for nearly two hours.

In the discussion, Biden highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine as a key to U.S. security, explaining that a stable Europe is essential to keeping America out of another war, according to National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

Trump, who has pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine war quickly without specifying his approach, also noted they spent considerable time on Middle East issues. “I wanted to hear his views on where we are,” Trump told the New York Post, acknowledging Biden’s willingness to share his perspective.

Although Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 election, he announced in July he would not run for a second term after a contentious debate with Trump. Vice President Kamala Harris then ran as the Democratic candidate but ultimately lost to Trump in the recent election.

Despite years of political tension, Biden promised a smooth transition, saying, “We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated,” as he welcomed Trump back to the White House. Trump, preparing to take office on January 20, expressed his appreciation for the gesture, remarking that the transition would be “as smooth as it can get.”

The two men have a history of mutual criticism, clashing on nearly every major policy from climate action to foreign relations. Biden, now 81, has repeatedly warned that Trump could threaten democratic institutions, while Trump, 78, has often portrayed Biden as ineffective, even claiming election fraud after his 2020 defeat.

In their Oval Office meeting, Biden pressed for support on key priorities for Congress’s final session, including securing government funding and disaster relief. White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Trump’s incoming chief, Susie Wiles, were also present.

Jill Biden welcomed Trump at the White House, handing him a letter addressed to Melania Trump and expressing her team’s readiness to help with the transition.

Melania Trump, however, did not attend. In a statement on X, her office expressed optimism for Trump’s return to office and wished him success with the transition process.

Earlier in the day, Trump celebrated the GOP’s projected House majority with Republican leaders and entrepreneur Elon Musk, marking a significant win for Republicans who now control both chambers of Congress. “Isn’t it nice to win? The House did very well,” Trump remarked to his supporters.

Despite the positive exchanges, the transition process has hit some bureaucratic snags. Trump’s team has not yet completed agreements for office space, equipment, and access to government resources, requirements outlined in the Presidential Transition Act. Brian Vance, a spokesperson for Trump’s team, confirmed they are working with Biden’s administration to finalize these agreements, which include ethical commitments and regulations for sharing information.

Valerie Smith Boyd from the Partnership for Public Service emphasized the importance of these documents, noting that federal agency access depends on signed agreements.

This face-to-face was the first major meeting between Biden and Trump since June, though they appeared together in September with Vice President Harris at the 9/11 Memorial in New York to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the 2001 attacks.

(With files from Reuters)