In a return to the Oval Office laden with symbolism and political tension, former president and president-elect Donald Trump was warmly received at the White House by outgoing President Joe Biden on Wednesday, November 13. This meeting marked a rare display of civility in one of the most contentious transitions of power in U.S. history. It underscored both the personal enmity between the two leaders and their mutual acknowledgment of America’s tradition of peaceful power transfers.
The meeting came on the heels of the Republicans being declared the majority in the House of Representatives, giving Trump a sweeping control over Congress as he prepares to take office again. In a surprising gesture of goodwill, Biden, who experienced a strained transition after defeating Trump in 2020, welcomed the man who has been one of his most vocal and relentless critics.
As the Oval Office’s fireplace flickered, Biden extended his hand to Trump, marking a return to a tradition Trump broke four years ago when he refused to formally recognize Biden’s victory. The encounter evoked memories of past presidential transitions where civility reigned despite political rivalry. “Welcome back,” Biden, 81, greeted Trump, 78, restoring the symbolic gesture of the departing leader welcoming the incoming president.
Trump reciprocated the respect, remarking, “Politics is tough, and in many cases, it’s not a very nice world. It is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.” Acknowledging the momentous occasion, he assured that the transfer of power would be “smooth as you can get.”
The two presidents, with a combined age of 159 years, embodied the nation’s divisions as they shook hands in a photo opportunity rife with symbolic weight. Their brief conversation, reported to be cordial and professional, lasted nearly two hours. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described the meeting as “very cordial, very gracious,” with Biden emphasizing a peaceful handover of leadership and urging unity in supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.
Trump’s return to the Oval Office signals a seismic shift in the balance of power within Washington. The Republican victories in both chambers of Congress mean Trump will have significant legislative control as he embarks on his second term. With a supportive Congress, he will likely implement sweeping changes and push through a hardline agenda with minimal opposition.
Hours after the White House meeting, Trump announced several key appointments, setting the tone for his incoming administration. His choices reflect a loyalty-based team, with figures who have fervently defended him through previous legal challenges and impeachment processes.
Among the most notable appointments is Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. Gaetz, a conservative firebrand, has been one of Trump’s most vocal defenders and is known for his strong opposition to what he calls “weaponized government.” This appointment is expected to be controversial, as Gaetz faces a congressional ethics investigation over allegations of sex trafficking and misconduct. Critics argue that his lack of impartiality could exacerbate political divisions, but Trump’s base sees Gaetz as a protector against perceived overreach by federal agencies.
In another unconventional pick, Trump named former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as his Director of National Intelligence. Known for her critical stance on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding support for Ukraine, Gabbard’s selection signals a potential pivot away from the Biden administration’s robust support of Kyiv. Gabbard’s opposition to interventionist policies has resonated with Trump’s isolationist base, who prioritize domestic issues over foreign conflicts.
In addition to Gaetz and Gabbard, Trump’s selection of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State was seen as one of his more conventional choices. Rubio, a senator from Florida and an outspoken China critic, aligns with Trump’s tough stance on China. His presence could suggest a foreign policy focused on confronting China’s growing influence, as well as strengthening ties with U.S. allies who share concerns over China’s assertiveness in global affairs.
Trump also tapped Fox News host Pete Hegseth for the position of Secretary of Defense, a move that raised eyebrows due to Hegseth’s lack of experience in large-scale defense management. Known for his outspoken support of Trump on cable news and his military background, Hegseth’s nomination has already drawn criticism from defense experts who fear that a politicized Defense Department could struggle with morale and strategic planning.
The appointment of Elon Musk as head of a new government spending watchdog group also generated significant attention. Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has supported Trump’s deregulatory policies in the past. His role is expected to focus on scaling back government expenditures, aligning with Trump’s pledges to reduce bureaucracy and streamline federal spending.
The Biden-Trump handshake and meeting, while a signal of restored protocol, was viewed by some analysts as a calculated maneuver. For Biden, who recently announced his departure from politics, the meeting was an opportunity to show his commitment to democracy despite his reservations about Trump. It also underscored his efforts to uphold the country’s democratic norms and precedents.
For Trump, the display of respect and civility marks a shift from his previous stance. Many interpret this as an attempt to widen his appeal after a bitterly divisive campaign season. Trump’s willingness to meet with Biden might be seen as an acknowledgment of the weight of his upcoming presidency and the national divisions he must address.
Biden, whose tenure has been defined by a strong pro-Ukraine stance, used the meeting to stress the importance of continued U.S. support for Kyiv, despite Trump’s skepticism. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that Biden “made clear the importance of the U.S. role in supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.”
In a separate event at a Washington hotel, Trump met with Republican leaders and hinted at the idea of a third term, which would be a constitutional impossibility. “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s good, we got to figure something else,’” Trump quipped, receiving laughter from the audience. Although his comment was likely made in jest, it nevertheless raised questions about Trump’s long-term ambitions and his adherence to constitutional limits.
Trump’s return to the White House is only the beginning of a potentially transformative period in American politics. With a Republican-controlled Congress, he is in a strong position to advance policies that emphasize his nationalist, America-first ideology. His stated objectives include tackling government “weaponization,” reducing federal spending, and refocusing foreign policy.
Despite the outward civility of the transition, the policies Trump and his administration are expected to pursue could lead to significant changes in U.S. domestic and international relations. Domestically, Trump’s hardline approach to immigration, deregulation, and social policy is expected to stir debate. Internationally, his foreign policy team’s lack of consensus with Biden’s legacy, especially regarding Ukraine, signals potential friction with NATO allies.
The question now is whether Trump’s second term will bridge the deep divisions within the country or deepen them. His cabinet appointments, populated by staunch allies and unconventional figures, point toward an administration that may prioritize loyalty and ideological alignment over traditional qualifications. His supporters see these appointments as fulfilling campaign promises to dismantle what they view as bureaucratic excesses and bias within federal agencies.
As the inauguration approaches, both supporters and critics are bracing for a presidency that could redefine the nation’s direction. While his promise of a “smooth transition” resonates with some Americans, others worry about the long-term implications of his rhetoric and his confrontational approach to governance. For Biden, Trump’s acceptance of the White House invitation may represent a final effort to preserve the dignity of presidential transitions, leaving Americans with a reminder that, regardless of the administration, respect for democratic traditions remains paramount.
In the coming months, the United States will witness how Trump’s leadership vision—marked by a strong desire for control, loyalty, and a willingness to challenge norms—will shape the nation’s trajectory. His visit to the White House, and his brief yet momentous handshake with Biden, may be remembered as one of the defining moments in modern American political history, setting the stage for what is sure to be a consequential presidency.
