WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Donald Trump made a notable return to the nation’s capital as president-elect, visiting the White House for the first time in four years.

During his visit, he engaged in a nearly two-hour meeting with President Joe Biden, where both leaders expressed their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power, despite the contentious political climate that characterized Trump’s previous transition four years earlier.

Trump’s journey began at Joint Base Andrews, the location for Air Force One’s departures and arrivals. His motorcade traversed through the streets of Washington, eventually arriving at a hotel for a Republican leadership conference held on Capitol Hill.

Upon greeting those in attendance, Trump received a warm reception, including a standing ovation. “It’s nice to win,” he remarked to the gathered lawmakers, acknowledging the positive atmosphere.

From there, he proceeded to the White House. In the Oval Office, the two former opponents sat together in front of a warm, crackling fire. Biden extended his congratulations, stating, “I look forward to having, like they said, a smooth transition,” while welcoming Trump back to the White House.

In response, Trump expressed his gratitude, highlighting the challenges of politics by saying, “politics is tough. And it’s, in many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.”

After concluding their discussions, Trump left Washington once more. The day was captured through the lenses of various photographers, illustrating the significant occasion.