President Biden has announced that he will host President-elect Donald Trump in the White House on Wednesday.
Biden, 81, said in a press release he will meet with Trump, 78, in the Oval Office at 11am local time, in what will be their first encounter since Biden’s disastrous debate performance in June.
Such a post-election meeting is traditional between the outgoing and incoming presidents, however Biden’s olive branch comes after Trump did not host his successor following the contentious 2020 election.
Biden previously said on Wednesday that he spoke on the phone with Trump to congratulate him on winning the presidency, and he ‘expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition’, the White House said.
Biden, 81, said in a press release he will meet with Trump, 78, in the Oval Office at 11am local time on Wednesday
Although Trump did not host Biden after the contentious 2020 election, such a meeting is traditional between incoming and outgoing presidents – Trump is pictured being hosted by Barack Obama in the Oval Office in November 2016
The White House said Biden invited Trump to the Oval Office during their post-election phone call, during which Biden ’emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together.’
Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung responded with a similarly upbeat statement following a highly divisive election, saying Trump ‘very much appreciated the call.’
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‘President Trump looks forward to the meeting,’ he added.
Biden also called Kamala Harris after her election defeat, and reportedly congratulated her on a ‘historic campaign.’
‘Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what’s possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans,’ Biden later said in a statement.
Biden also called Kamala Harris after her election defeat, and reportedly congratulated her on a ‘historic campaign’
When Biden emerged from the White House to acknowledge Trump’s landslide win, many noted how he appeared with a large smile and seemingly at ease despite the defeat
When Biden emerged from the White House to acknowledge Trump’s landslide win, many noted how he appeared with a large smile and was seemingly at ease despite the defeat.
In his address, he promised to work with Donald Trump to secure a peaceful transition and urged the country to come together an as he broke his silence on the election.
‘I will do my duty as president. I’ll fulfill my oath, and I will honor the Constitution. On January 20, we’ll have a peaceful transfer of power here in America,’ Biden said.
The outgoing president was noticeably more relaxed than he had appeared amid the campaign as he told the nation to be positive and accept the devastating results for Democrats, while noting that Vice President Kamala Harris ran an ‘inspiring campaign’.
Biden walked out of the Oval Office to applause from a crowd including cabinet members, staff and his granddaughter Finnegan and jogged to the podium.
As he wrapped up his remarks, he blew a kiss to the audience and insisted his administration should be proud of its record.