Trump meets Biden in White House, amid power transition

U.S. President Joe Biden will meet with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House on Wednesday, marking Trump’s first visit since leaving nearly four years ago amid significant controversy.

The meeting comes as Trump prepares to form his new administration, including billionaire Elon Musk as a leader of a newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

Despite Trump’s refusal to concede the 2020 election and uphold traditional transfer-of-power norms, Biden extended the invitation to emphasize the importance of a peaceful transition. “The American people deserve this,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated. “They deserve a peaceful transfer of power.”

While Biden is expected to highlight the importance of continued U.S. support for Ukraine and address major foreign policy issues, Trump’s plans for governance include significant shifts, such as potentially ending aid to Ukraine. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed the focus on U.S. strategic interests.

House Speaker Mike Johnson indicated that Trump might also visit the U.S. Capitol, a significant site given the January 6th insurrection by his supporters. Trump’s return to the political forefront has reshaped the Republican Party’s dynamics, with the party poised to reclaim both chambers of Congress.

Trump’s new administration roster reflects his unconventional approach: Pete Hegseth, Fox News host and a vocal critic of “woke” policies, has been nominated for Secretary of Defense. Kristi Noem, South Dakota Governor and a steadfast Trump supporter, will head the Department of Homeland Security. Senator Marco Rubio is expected to take the role of Secretary of State, and Congressman Mike Waltz will serve as National Security Advisor. John Ratcliffe, known for defending Trump in his first term, has been named CIA Director.

Elon Musk’s prominent role has drawn attention, particularly as he accompanies Trump during high-profile meetings with Republican leaders. The appointment of Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy to head the Department of Government Efficiency, humorously abbreviated as “DOGE,” signals Trump’s focus on streamlining government operations.

Trump’s unconventional nominations and focus on loyalty continue to shape his administration, reinforcing his influence over the Republican Party.