In a historic moment for American democracy, President Joe Biden welcomed President-elect Donald Trump to the White House on Wednesday for a meeting in the Oval Office, marking the start of a peaceful transition of power. This meeting, a traditional part of the presidential handoff, is particularly significant given the contentious nature of the 2020 election, in which Trump lost to Biden.
Though not required by law, the pre-inauguration meeting between an outgoing president and their successor has been a longstanding tradition, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power. The meeting between Biden and Trump is especially noteworthy as Trump did not extend such an invitation to Biden after losing the 2020 election, becoming the first president in modern history to skip his successor's inauguration and leave Washington before the event.
Handshake and Brief Words
Upon arriving at the White House, Trump and Biden exchanged a handshake and brief words in the Oval Office. Biden congratulated Trump on his victory, and Trump responded with a light-hearted comment, saying, “Politics is tough, and it’s not always a nice world, but it’s a nice world today.” After a few moments of interaction, the two leaders were quickly escorted away from reporters.
The White House meeting represents a major moment in the presidential transition but also has historical significance. It marks the first time since 1992 that an outgoing president has met with an incoming president he had competed against directly in the same election cycle.
A Tradition of Transition
The tradition of outgoing presidents meeting with their successors dates back to the 19th century, although it is not a formal requirement. The practice serves as a symbolic gesture of a peaceful handoff of power. In 1841, President Martin Van Buren hosted President-elect William Henry Harrison for a dinner at the White House, initiating what has since become a longstanding custom.
More recently, George W. Bush met with Barack Obama after the 2008 election, describing Obama’s victory as a “triumph of the American story.” Similarly, in 2016, Barack Obama invited then-President-elect Donald Trump to the White House for a discussion shortly after the election results were confirmed.