This Wednesday, President Joe Biden welcomed President-elect Donald Trump back to the White House, resuming a tradition that Trump himself broke in 2020.
The two sat close and shook hands before kicking off the event. “Politics is tough. And [in] many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today,” Trump said in the Oval Office. Biden, on the other hand, told Trump that he will ensure a “smooth transition.”
Biden has continued to demonstrate true leadership, even despite his party’s defeat and Trump’s refusal to meet with him in 2020 after losing the presidential election.
This marks the second time Biden has publicly vowed to transition out of the White House in a smooth and orderly fashion, without chaos.
President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands at their White House meeting, as Biden says he is looking forward to "a smooth transition."
"Politics is tough, and it's in many cases not a very nice world," Trump says. "But it is a nice world today."… pic.twitter.com/j9wc4tgrBr
— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 13, 2024
In a speech earlier this month, he stated, “I spoke with President-elect Trump and congratulated him on his victory. I assured him that I’ve directed my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s what the American people deserve.”
During that same speech, Biden, who had exited the race back in July, commended Vice President Kamala Harris and her team for their tremendous efforts. He noted that she “ran an inspiring campaign and everyone got to see something that I learned early on and respect so much — her character. She gave her whole heart and effort.”
Harris has also since called for a peaceful transition of power after conceding. At the time, she remarked, “I know folks are experiencing a range of emotions right now,” she said with a chuckle. “I get it. But we must respect the results of this election.” She added, “I told him we will help him and his team with his transition. And we will engage in a peaceful transfer of power.”
“While I concede this election, I do not concede the fight that fueled this campaign,” Harris said.