Biden has invited Trump to the White House. Trump shunned that tradition when Biden won
PBS NewsHourNOV 9 2024
President Joe Biden has invited Donald Trump to the White House for a traditional transition meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m., marking a significant shift from Trump's refusal to host Biden in 2020.Pres.-elect Donald Trump met Pres. Joe Biden in the Oval Office Wednesday after the incumbent US leader invited the former president to the White House for a traditional transition meeting.
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.They reportedly discussed plans for a peaceful transition of power when Trump takes the oath of office for a second time on Jan. 20. "It will be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that, Joe," Trump, 78, told Biden, 81.
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.Biden congratulated Trump on his victory, and Trump said, "Politics is tough, and it's [in] many cases not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today" before dismissing the reporters.
The White House transition meeting represents a crucial tradition that reinforces the strength of American democracy and ensures continuity of government operations. These face-to-face discussions between incoming and outgoing leaders have historically helped bridge political divisions and demonstrate national unity. The practice has proven valuable for smooth transitions, as evidenced by successful handoffs like the Bush-Obama transition.
Personal autonomy and changing circumstances sometimes necessitate breaking with tradition, especially when these customs are not legally required. TheDeciding 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.