WASHINGTON, Nov 10: The White House announced Saturday that President-elect Donald Trump will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday. According to press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden invited Trump to the Oval Office for an 11 a.m. meeting, with further details to follow.
First lady Jill Biden has also invited incoming first lady Melania Trump for a White House visit, although timing has not been confirmed, according to an East Wing official.
Coordination for the upcoming meeting was handled by Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, who have been in communication for several months on transition topics, including security matters and Secret Service protection following an earlier assassination attempt against Trump.
Biden Called Trump
After the election, Biden called Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his victory over Vice President Kamala Harris and to extend an invitation to the White House.
During the call, Biden emphasized his commitment to a smooth transition and urged efforts to unite the country. Trump later indicated that he and Biden planned to meet for lunch soon, describing the call as “very respectful.”
Hosting the incoming president is a longstanding tradition for outgoing U.S. leaders, though Trump declined to host Biden in 2020 as he contested the election outcome.
In addition, it is customary for the outgoing first lady to host the incoming first lady, as Michelle Obama did for Melania Trump in 2016, giving her a tour of the White House’s private residence.
Meeting Comes After Gigantic Victory
The meeting comes after Donald Trump’s gigantic clean sweep of all seven battleground swing states and edging towards majority in the House.
Trump has secured victory in all of the swing states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, Wisconsin and Nevada.
Six out of the seven swing states voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election, a major change in the electoral dynamics.
