In an Oval Office meeting on Wednesday, President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both pledged a smooth transition of power, marking a formal beginning to the handover process.
Biden congratulated Trump and assured him the administration would fully support his team's needs for a seamless transition, CBS News reports.
What Happened: After a private gathering with House Republicans, Trump met Biden at the White House, where the two leaders exchanged brief words before the press. “Well Mr. President-elect, former president, Donald, congratulations, and looking forward to… a smooth transition,” Biden said.
“Thank you very much,” Trump responded, adding that “politics is tough” and “not a very nice world,” but he appreciated the “smooth transition” underway, saying, “It’ll be as smooth as it can get.”
In addition to the ceremonial meeting, Trump has begun shaping his administration's agenda. A key focus is energy policy, with Trump reportedly considering appointing an "energy czar" to lead efforts in scaling back environmental regulations and increasing fossil fuel production.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a former software executive and oil industry advocate, is said to be the frontrunner for this role.
Why It Matters: The symbolic meeting between Biden and Trump emphasizes the importance of a peaceful transfer of power in the face of a contentious recent history. Trump did not hold a similar meeting with Biden in 2021 in the wake of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, when Trump left the White House after falsely stating he won the 2020 election.
Before his Oval Office meeting with Biden, Trump was met with a standing ovation by House Republicans and accompanied by high-profile supporters, including Elon Musk, who has recently played a role as an advisor to Trump's campaign.
This transition sets the stage for a fresh political landscape, with Trump's leadership poised to steer the country in a markedly different policy direction.
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Photos courtesy: Shutterstock, Midjourney.
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