President-elect Donald Trump returned to Washington on Wednesday for the first time since winning last week’s election.
US President Joe Biden welcomed Trump to the White House for an Oval Office visit, a traditional part of the peaceful transfer of power. Four years ago, after losing the election, Trump himself refused to take part in the ritual.
“Donald, congratulations,” Biden said, greeting Trump with a handshake in the Oval Office and adding that he looks forward to “a smooth transition.” He promised to do all he could “to make sure you’re accommodated.”
“Thank you very much,” Trump answered. “Politics is tough, and in many cases it’s not a very nice world. It is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much,” he said after the handshake, adding that the transition would be “smooth as you can get.”
Trump celebrates with fellow Republicans
Earlier in the day, Trump arrived at Joint Base Andrews on board his own plane, dubbed “Trump Force One.” He then went on to celebrate his victory with his fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives, who have a good chance of retaining control of the chamber when the results of the 5 November elections come in.
“Isn’t it nice to win? It’s nice to win. It’s always nice to win,” Trump said, who received a standing ovation from House Republicans.
“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say he’s good we got to figure something else,” Presdient-elect aid to laughter from the lawmakers.
“He is the comeback king,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said, before Trump’s arrival. “We owe him a great debt of gratitude.”
What to expect from the Biden-Trump meeting?
Biden and Trump have been sharply critical of each other for years. During the campaign, Biden has portrayed Trump as a threat to democracy, while Trump has portrayed Biden as incompetent.
At the meeting, Biden is expected to push for a smooth transition of power and urge continued support for Ukraine.
“He believes in norms. He believes in our institutions,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said on Tuesday when asked why Biden was inviting Trump. “The American people deserve that. They deserve a peaceful transfer of power,” she added.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan also said Biden would discuss key foreign policy issues when he meets Trump, including US support for Ukraine against Russia, which Trump has indicated he wants to end.
Trump’s meeting with Biden comes as he moves quickly to name his administration. However, Trump’s team has yet to sign agreements that would provide office space and government equipment, as well as access to government officials, facilities and information, according to the White House.
dh/jcg (AP, AFP, Reuters)
Source: politics.einnews.com…
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