Trump returns to the White House for transition talks, Biden meet
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The news: President-elect Donald Trump met President Joe Biden at the White House, marking his return to the centre of American power he reluctantly left four years ago.
The context: Biden, who invited Trump in keeping with tradition, promised a smooth transition, despite the two leaders' long history of mutual criticism and policy differences.
Trump expressed appreciation for the gesture and said the process would be "as smooth as it can get."
Discussions between Trump and Biden were expected to include key topics including US support for Ukraine, though the White House declined to confirm specific talking points.
The formal transition remains stalled until formal agreements, including ethics pacts, are signed as required by the Presidential Transition Act.
Trump’s team, which has announced some members of the incoming cabinet, including Elon Musk, has not signed agreements needed for access to government resources.
Earlier, Trump celebrated his victory with House Republicans, who greeted him with a standing ovation. Republicans are expected to win a narrow majority of the House when all the votes are counted.
Musk sat among House Republicans as Trump delivered his remarks, acknowledging and praising Musk and his rockets, prompting lawmakers to stand and applaud.
What they said: “Welcome. Welcome back,” Biden said as he received Trump at the Oval Office. “We will do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated, have what you need.”
Trump said: “Thank you very much. And politics is tough, and it’s many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today and I appreciate very much a transition that’s so smooth, it’ll be as smooth as you can get. And I very much appreciate that, Joe.”
To which Biden responded, “you’re welcome.”
Brian Vance, a Trump transition spokesman said, “The Trump-Vance transition lawyers continue to constructively engage with the Biden-Harris Administration lawyers regarding all agreements contemplated by the Presidential Transition Act.”
The sources: The New York Times , Reuters
