President-elect Donald Trump is set to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday, November 13, at 11 a.m., according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. The meeting, which will take place in the Oval Office, is a traditional part of the transition process, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power in the US democracy.
Jean-Pierre confirmed the meeting on social media, writing, “At President Biden’s invitation, President Biden and President-elect Trump will meet in the Oval Office on Wednesday at 11:00 am. Additional details to follow.” While this is a customary step in the transition of power, the meeting comes after a turbulent period in American politics. Notably, Trump did not host Biden after the 2020 election, when he lost his bid for re-election.
Trump’s Historic Return to Office
Trump, who won the 2024 presidential election with at least 301 electoral votes, is set to take office on January 20. By securing more than the necessary 270 electoral votes, Trump will become the second U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms, following in the footsteps of Grover Cleveland, who served as both the 22nd and 24th president.
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The peaceful transition, as set by U.S. tradition, aims to reinforce democratic principles despite the political divides between the outgoing and incoming administrations.
Biden Responds to the Election Outcome
Following his defeat in the presidential race, President Biden addressed his supporters on Thursday, calling for unity and resilience. Speaking to fellow Democrats, Biden emphasized the importance of perseverance and character. “Everyone gets knock down, but the true test of character is how quickly we get back up,” he said.
Biden also took the opportunity to send a message to Republicans, urging them to foster national unity. “You can’t love your country only when you win. You can’t love your neighbor only when you agree,” he stated. “I hope we can see each other, not as adversaries, but as fellow Americans, and work together to bring down the temperature of our politics.”
Reaffirming Trust in the Electoral System
In his speech, Biden reaffirmed his faith in the integrity of the American electoral system. Despite Trump and his allies challenging the election’s legitimacy, Biden emphasize that the system is “honest, fair, transparent, and can be trust, win or lose.” ” His message was a direct response to the ongoing debate over election security that has clouded the political landscape since the 2020 election.
Biden’s Remarks on the Transition
President Biden also congratulated President-elect Trump, acknowledging the upcoming transition of power. “On January 20, the transfer of power will take place peacefully, as it is meant to,” Biden said. The remark alluded to Trump’s absence at Biden’s 2021 inauguration. After losing the 2020 election, Trump skipped the event, choosing instead to leave Washington for his Florida home.
Harris Earns Praise for Her Campaign Efforts
Biden also praised Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who stepped into the presidential race after Biden exited following a poor debate performance. “She’s been a partner and a public servant,” Biden said, lauding Harris for her leadership and the impressive campaign she ran in a short time frame. “She has a backbone like a ram and great character,” Biden continued, commending Harris for her dedication and the work of her entire team.
With the election concluded and the transition underway, all eyes are now on the future of American politics as President-elect Trump prepares to take office in January, signaling a new chapter in the nation’s political landscape.
