Biden has invited Trump to the White House. Trump shunned that tradition when Biden won
PBS NewsHourNOV 3 2024
While the presidential meeting is set to proceed, former First Lady Melania Trump has declined to attend the customary meeting with First Lady Jill Biden, citing scheduling conflicts related to her newly released memoir.
The upcoming meeting represents the first time since 1992 that an outgoing president will meet with an incoming one whom they directly competed against in a campaign, echoing the meeting between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
During the last transition in 2016, Barack Obama and Donald Trump held a 90-minute Oval Office discussion, with Obama pledging full support for Trump's success for the sake of the country.
Personal autonomy and changing circumstances sometimes necessitate breaking with tradition, especially when these customs are not legally required. The decision to decline ceremonial meetings allows leaders to focus on more pressing matters and set their own priorities. Modern communication methods and professional staff can ensure effective transitions without requiring symbolic in-person meetings.