Biden, Trump agree to transfer of power to be carried out safely
Astro Awani
11/14/2024
Biden (right) and holding discussions regarding the transfer of power process at the White House, Washington, on Wednesday. - REUTERS WASHINGTON Photo
: President of the United States (US), Joe Biden and President-elect, Donald Trump met and held discussions regarding the transfer of power process at the White House on Wednesday.
"Tahniah and I hope this transition goes as smoothly as we have said it would - doing everything possible to make sure you get what you need," Biden told Trump in the Oval Office.
"Welcome, welcome back."
Trump, who won a second term in his race for the White House on November 5, thanked Biden, saying politics was "tough."
"And in many ways it's not a friendly world, but today was a good day and I really appreciate it.
"Such a smooth transition, it's going to be as smooth as possible and I really appreciate that," said Trump, who previously led the US in 2017 - 2021.
As soon as the meeting between Biden and Trump finished, journalists asked questions, however, both of them were immediately escorted out.
US first lady Jill Biden also accompanied her husband to welcome Trump's arrival, according to a statement released by the White House.
Jill also presented a handwritten congratulations letter to Trump's wife, Melania, and "expressed her willingness to assist in the transition process," the statement said.
After a poor performance in the Presidential Debate last June against Trump, Biden withdrew from continuing the challenge and announced his support for Vice President, Kamala Harris as the Democratic candidate in the US Presidential Election, November 5.
The Republican Party won a majority in the election, taking control of the House of Representatives, Senate and White House.
Trump won the election with 312 electoral votes, surpassing the 270-vote threshold against his Democratic rival, Harris.
White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that Biden and Trump met for about two hours.
White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and new Chief of Staff Susie Wiles also attended the meeting in the Oval Office, the statement said.
"It was a substantive meeting and the two of them exchanged views. They discussed important issues of national security and domestic policies faced by the country and the world," said Jean-Pierre.
Biden outlined "important items" on Congress's to-do list for the closing session including funding the government and providing additional disaster relief funds requested by the President, he said.
"We will carry out an orderly transition and a peaceful transfer of power," added Jean-Pierre.
Ahead of his meeting with Biden, Trump gathered with Republicans on Capitol Hill.
"Isn't it nice to win? Winning is a good thing. It's always nice to win," Trump told Republicans.
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