In a striking display of civility, President Joe Biden welcomed his political adversary Donald Trump back to the White House, where they pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power. Biden, who did not seek re-election this cycle, extended a hand to Trump—who recently won the presidential race after defeating Kamala Harris—marking a sharp departure from Trump’s 2020 refusal to acknowledge Biden's victory.

"Welcome back," Biden, now 81, said as he shook hands with the 78-year-old Trump, standing by a warm fire in the Oval Office. The exchange, while civil, carried tension; Biden has frequently criticized Trump, asserting he represents a threat to democratic values. Despite the differences, Biden committed to facilitating a seamless transition, stating, "We’ll do all we can to ensure you’re accommodated."

Trump, who previously rallied a crowd that stormed the Capitol in 2021, responded with unexpected graciousness, acknowledging that while politics can be harsh, "today it’s a nice world, and I appreciate it." He affirmed that the transition would be as "smooth as you can get," even as certain legal documents necessary for his January 20 inauguration remain unsigned.

Absent from the Oval Office was Melania Trump, while outgoing First Lady Jill Biden offered Trump a handwritten note for Melania, wishing her well in the role. Also present were Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients and Trump’s incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, underscoring the transition's formality.

In a brief but pointed discussion, Biden emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine, an issue Trump has questioned during his campaign. Biden’s invitation restored a historic White House tradition of peaceful transition, something Trump notably dismissed four years ago by declining to meet Biden or attend the inauguration. For now, at least, civility and protocol have returned to the Oval Office, even as partisan divides persist

In a striking display of civility, President Joe Biden welcomed his political adversary Donald Trump back to the White House, where they pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power. Biden, who did not seek re-election this cycle, extended a hand to Trump—who recently won the presidential race after defeating Kamala Harris—marking a sharp departure from Trump’s 2020 refusal to acknowledge Biden's victory.

"Welcome back," Biden, now 81, said as he shook hands with the 78-year-old Trump, standing by a warm fire in the Oval Office. The exchange, while civil, carried tension; Biden has frequently criticized Trump, asserting he represents a threat to democratic values. Despite the differences, Biden committed to facilitating a seamless transition, stating, "We’ll do all we can to ensure you’re accommodated."

Trump, who previously rallied a crowd that stormed the Capitol in 2021, responded with unexpected graciousness, acknowledging that while politics can be harsh, "today it’s a nice world, and I appreciate it." He affirmed that the transition would be as "smooth as you can get," even as certain legal documents necessary for his January 20 inauguration remain unsigned.

Absent from the Oval Office was Melania Trump, while outgoing First Lady Jill Biden offered Trump a handwritten note for Melania, wishing her well in the role. Also present were Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients and Trump’s incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, underscoring the transition's formality.

In a brief but pointed discussion, Biden emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine, an issue Trump has questioned during his campaign. Biden’s invitation restored a historic White House tradition of peaceful transition, something Trump notably dismissed four years ago by declining to meet Biden or attend the inauguration. For now, at least, civility and protocol have returned to the Oval Office, even as partisan divides persist