Photo: AFP
US President-elect Donald Trump expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden for promising a seamless transfer of power as the triumphant Republican embarked on a historic return visit to the White House on Wednesday.
"Politics can be rough, and in many instances, it's not a very pleasant world. But today, it feels good, and I am very thankful," Trump remarked after exchanging handshakes with Biden in the Oval Office. At 78, Trump further stated that the transition would be "as smooth as it gets."
Biden, 81, welcomed Trump in front of a roaring fireplace, extending his congratulations and saying: "Welcome back." Despite Trump's refusal to acknowledge his 2020 election defeat and never offering Biden the same courtesy, the President-elect invited his former rival to the White House.
Biden, who withdrew from the election in July but saw his successor Kamala Harris lose to Trump last week, indicated he was "eager for a smooth transition." He assured Trump: "We'll do our utmost to ensure you have everything you need."
The private discussions following their public handshake might have been a tough moment for Biden, who previously labeled Trump a threat to democracy. During the meeting, Biden was anticipated to urge Trump to maintain US support for Ukraine's struggle against Russia, a stance the Republican has questioned.
Prior to the White House visit, Trump addressed Republicans from the House of Representatives at a Washington hotel near the Capitol, which was stormed by his supporters in 2021 in an attempt to overturn his election loss. In a buoyant mood, Trump hinted at the possibility of seeking a third term, despite this being unconstitutional.
"I doubt I'll run again unless you say, 'He's good, we need to figure something else out,'" he said, eliciting some laughter. With his party poised to control both chambers of Congress, Trump's remarkable comeback appears consolidated.
Accompanying Trump at the meeting with Republicans was Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual, whom Trump appointed on Tuesday as head of a new group aimed at reducing government spending. Trump has been rapidly nominating key figures as he prepares to form his administration.
Biden's invitation to the Oval Office revived a presidential transition tradition that Trump shattered when he lost the 2020 election, refusing to meet with Biden or attend the inauguration. Former President Barack Obama had welcomed Trump to the White House when he won the 2016 election.
However, by the time Trump departed the White House on January 20, 2021, he had also been repudiated by many in his own party for inciting the Capitol assault. Yet, this period of disgrace quickly faded as Republicans rallied back to Trump, recognizing his unparalleled electoral influence.
Entering his second term, Trump holds nearly complete control over his party, with the Democrats in disarray. Since the election, he has been at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, assembling his top team while the world watches to see how closely he adheres to his promises of isolationism, mass deportations, and sweeping tariffs.
Trump appointed Musk, CEO of Space X, Tesla, and X, and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead a "Department of Government Efficiency ('DOGE')" — a playful nod to an internet meme and cryptocurrency. Trump is swiftly filling his administration with a host of ultra-loyalists.
He nominated Fox News host and army veteran Pete Hegseth as his incoming defense secretary. Although Hegseth is a vocal critic of "woke" ideology in the military, he lacks experience in managing the vast US military budget and bureaucracy. Trump also named South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, an ally known for writing about shooting her dog due to training issues, as head of the Department of Homeland Security.
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