President Joe Biden meets with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Washington on Wednesday, marking his reentry with an Oval Office meeting with President Joe Biden and a commitment to ensuring a smooth transition. The two rivals shared a handshake by the Oval Office fireplace, with Biden greeting Trump as “Mr. President-elect,” and adding warmly, “Welcome back.”
In front of gathered reporters, Biden told Trump, “Congratulations. I look forward to a smooth transition.” Trump responded, expressing his gratitude, “Thank you very much. Politics can be tough, but today is a good day.” Neither answered questions from reporters, each joined only by their chief of staff for the private meeting—a stark contrast to Trump’s 2020 departure from Washington when he declined to meet with Biden.
First Lady Jill Biden personally welcomed Trump, handing him a handwritten note for Melania Trump, expressing congratulations and offering her team’s support for the transition. Melania did not accompany Trump, though she sent well-wishes, stating, “I wish him great success.”
Ahead of his White House visit, Trump joined Elon Musk for a morning meeting with House Republicans. Greeted with a standing ovation, Trump told the GOP lawmakers, “It’s nice to win.” His return came as the GOP celebrated victories across the ballot, strengthening their hold on Congress and setting the stage for a potentially unified Republican government.
Speaker Mike Johnson hailed Trump’s resurgence, dubbing him “the comeback king.” Johnson, who is set to retain his position with Trump’s endorsement, is considered one of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, further highlighting Trump’s renewed influence.
Trump’s return to Washington also spotlighted Elon Musk’s growing role in his circle. Named to a government efficiency advisory role, Musk has become a frequent presence at Mar-a-Lago and is now regarded as one of Trump’s top advisors, second only to Susie Wiles, Trump’s campaign manager and incoming chief of staff.
Trump’s return to Washington underscores a remarkable political comeback. Once ostracized after his supporters stormed the Capitol in 2021, Trump’s recent election win has reestablished him as the leader of the GOP. His influence now extends to the party’s internal leadership elections, where his allies are pushing for Senator Rick Scott in a contentious Senate race to replace Mitch McConnell.
With Biden pledging his support for a seamless transition and GOP leaders rallying behind Trump, the former president’s return marks a new chapter in Washington politics, as he prepares to step back into the Oval Office for a historic second term.
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