Chethana Janith, Jadetimes Staff
C. Janith is a Jadetimes news reporter covering science and geopolitics.
Donald Trump, the U.S. President-elect, and current President Joe Biden, known for their longstanding political rivalry, met at the White House on Wednesday to discuss key issues such as Ukraine and the Middle East. The meeting aimed to highlight a smooth transition of power, despite notable policy differences between the two leaders.
The two sat together in the Oval Office, presenting a composed and collaborative image. "They addressed critical national security and domestic policy challenges facing both the country and the world," a White House spokesperson said, describing the meeting as cordial, constructive, and substantive.
The discussion lasted approximately two hours. Biden emphasized that supporting Ukraine aligns with U.S. national security interests, arguing that a stable Europe reduces the likelihood of America being drawn into conflict, according to the national security adviser.
Trump, who has vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war swiftly without revealing specific plans, also highlighted the Middle East as a key topic of their discussion. He remarked that Biden shared his views on the region, calling the exchange "gracious."
Biden, a Democrat, defeated Republican Trump in the 2020 election but announced his decision to step aside from the 2024 race earlier this year. Vice President Kamala Harris then led the Democratic ticket but was defeated by Trump in the election.
A Smooth Transition
Both leaders emphasized the importance of a smooth transfer of power during their meeting.
“Looking forward to ensuring a smooth transition—doing everything we can to make sure you're accommodated and have what you need,” Biden told the president-elect. “Welcome back.”
Trump, set to assume office on January 20, responded, “Politics can be tough and often unforgiving, but today it’s a different world. This transition will be as smooth as it can get, and I greatly appreciate your efforts, Joe.”
Although reporters attempted to ask questions, they were promptly ushered out of the room.
This meeting marked a stark contrast to 2020, when Trump did not extend the courtesy of welcoming Biden to the Oval Office following his election win. Despite their long-standing political clashes, both leaders appeared focused on setting a collaborative tone for the transition.
Their teams remain divided on major issues like climate change, Russia, and trade policies. Biden, 81, has often characterized Trump as a danger to democracy, while Trump, 78, has labeled Biden as ineffective. Notably, Trump previously alleged election fraud after his 2020 defeat, which was widely debunked.
During the discussion, Biden also urged Trump to prioritize several key legislative items, including government funding and additional disaster relief measures. According to a White House spokesperson, both leaders were joined by their chiefs of staff, Jeff Zients for Biden and Susie Wiles for Trump.
First Lady Jill Biden greeted Trump upon his arrival and presented him with a handwritten letter for Melania Trump, expressing her willingness to assist in the transition process. Melania Trump, however, did not attend the meeting. Her office stated online that while she supported the transition process, she chose not to participate directly.
Earlier in the day, Trump celebrated his election victory with Republican lawmakers, highlighting their majority control of both the House and Senate. “Isn’t it great to win?” Trump remarked. “Winning is always nice, and the House did very well.”
Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk was also present at the meeting with Republican legislators, underscoring the celebratory atmosphere.
Transition Partially Stalled
Despite the positive tone of the meeting, the transition process has faced delays.
Trump's team has announced some cabinet members for the incoming administration but has yet to finalize agreements necessary for office space, access to government equipment, and communication with officials and agencies, according to the White House.
“The Trump-Vance transition lawyers are working constructively with the outgoing administration to finalize all agreements required under the Presidential Transition Act,” said Brian Vance, a spokesperson for the Trump transition team.
Valerie Smith Boyd, director of the Center for Presidential Transition at the Partnership for Public Service, explained that the agreement is crucial to ensure that only one president governs at a time. It includes commitments to ethical conduct, such as not profiting from information obtained during the transition.
“Without this agreement, interaction with federal agencies cannot proceed,” she said. “Everything is dependent on its completion.”
This was the first substantial meeting between Biden and Trump since their debate in June. The two leaders, along with Vice President Kamala Harris, had also appeared together in New York on September 11 to commemorate the 2001 attacks, which claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
