Joe Biden and Donald Trump held a meeting at the White House.

The newly elected US President Donald Trump and the current head of state Joe Biden met at the White House for the first time after the Republican's victory in the recent presidential elections. Both politicians promised a smooth transition of power in January 2025, reported the news agency Reuters on Wednesday, November 13.

“We look forward to, as we’ve already mentioned, a smooth transition, and we will do everything possible to ensure you have everything you need. Welcome back,” said Joe Biden.

In turn, Trump stated that he appreciates the transition, which “will be as smooth as possible.”

“Politics is a complex thing, and for the most part, it’s not a very pleasant world, but today it is pleasant, and I greatly appreciate the transition that will be as smooth as possible, and I really appreciate that, Joe,” assured Donald Trump.

The politicians did not answer journalists' questions, and the meeting lasted less than two hours before Trump's departure.

Reporters noted the stark contrast between this meeting of the politicians and the previous criticisms that Biden and Trump directed at each other over the years. In the 2024 elections, 81-year-old Biden portrayed Trump as a threat to democracy, while 78-year-old Trump labeled Biden as incompetent.

According to the White House, First Lady Jill Biden joined President Biden in welcoming Trump upon his arrival. The First Lady handed Trump a handwritten letter with greetings for his wife Melania Trump and “expressed her team's willingness to assist during the transition period.”

Also present at the meeting with Trump and Biden were White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and his successor Suzy Wiles, who will become the first woman to hold this position in US history. US Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the presidential elections, was not present at the meeting, the media reported.

It is worth noting that the presidential elections in the US took place on November 5, 2024. The 45th President of the United States and Republican candidate Donald Trump won in all the “swing” states, securing 312 electoral votes, while his opponent from the Democratic Party, Kamala Harris, received 226 votes.

The official decision regarding the election of the 47th President of the United States will be made by the Electoral College in December, with his inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2025. Until that moment, the power transition will continue at the White House.

The newly elected President Donald Trump is swiftly making personnel decisions and forming his administration. Trump's team already includes a Vice President, Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, the CIA Director, and the US Ambassador to the UN. Additionally, billionaire Elon Musk will also join Donald Trump's administration. He will head a new department focused on governmental efficiency. More about Trump's team and their stance on Ukraine can be found in the material from ZAXID.NET.