Biden welcomes Trump to Oval Office, pledging smooth transition of power VIDEO

US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump met in the Oval Office on November 13, with each pledging a smooth transition from a Democratic to a Republican administration.

This meeting marked a significant moment, as Biden offered his congratulations, and the two leaders discussed domestic and foreign policy issues for nearly two hours, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The meeting opened with a handshake, and in a candid exchange, Trump remarked, “Politics is tough” and noted it isn’t “always a nice world, but it is a nice world today.” Reporters were quickly ushered out after these initial remarks.

According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the two leaders engaged in a “substantive meeting,” covering a range of topics including congressional responsibilities such as government funding and disaster relief efforts. Additionally, Biden emphasized his commitment to an orderly transition and underscored the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.

Biden expressed a willingness to work with Trump’s incoming team on pressing issues, specifically mentioning efforts to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza. “We are very much willing to do so, and we’ve sent a signal to the incoming team that we’re prepared to work with them on this issue,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan shortly after the meeting. Biden is also scheduled to meet with families of American hostages still held in Gaza on November 13, while Sullivan met with them on November 12.

Trump, in a later interview with The New York Post, disclosed that the two discussed areas where their views diverge, particularly on the issues of Ukraine and the conflict involving Israel and Hamas. “I wanted — I asked for his views and he gave them to me,” Trump said, adding that Biden was “very gracious” in sharing his perspectives. Trump also sought Biden’s views on broader Middle Eastern issues.

Biden has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine’s defence against Russia and reiterated his commitment to Israel’s right to self-defence, positions that Trump has questioned. Trump has stated his intention to end the Ukraine conflict swiftly and has argued that the Biden administration should be more supportive of Israel.

Reporters in the room tried to draw out further comments from both men on Ukraine and broader questions of democracy, but neither responded. As reporters called out questions, Biden looked at Trump, who gave a slight shrug. Journalists were then escorted out of the Oval Office.

In a further gesture of goodwill, First Lady Jill Biden joined President Biden in greeting Trump at the White House, delivering a handwritten letter to Trump for his wife, Melania. The White House reported that in her note, Jill Biden expressed her team’s readiness to assist Melania Trump with the upcoming transition. However, Melania did not attend the meeting.