President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden sat down in the Oval Office on Wednesday for a historic post-election meeting. Both leaders shared positive sentiments about the encounter. Speaking to The Post after the meeting, Trump described their conversation as cordial and productive, noting, “We both really enjoyed seeing each other.”
“It’s been a long, it’s been a long slog,” Trump, 78, said during a phone interview as he left Washington. “It’s been a lot of work on both sides, and he did an excellent job concerning campaigning and everything else. We had a perfect meeting. We got to know each other again.”
The two leaders discussed the peaceful transition of power, scheduled for January 20, with Trump reassuring the press that it would be “as smooth as can be.” This comes after the turbulent 2020 election results, which Trump contested, leading to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Trump emphasised that selecting officials for his second term was proceeding “very smoothly” and that there is a “very, very good relationship” between the Republican transition team and the Biden administration.
The two leaders also touched on major global issues on which they have differing views. Trump revealed that he and Biden discussed the war in Ukraine, with Trump reiterating his commitment to ending the conflict “almost immediately” upon taking office. The conversation also included the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with Trump seeking Biden’s perspective on the region’s dynamics.
“I wanted — I asked for his views, and he gave them to me,” Trump said. “Also, we talked very much about the Middle East. I wanted to know his views on where we are and what he thinks. And he gave them to me; he was very gracious.”
Looking ahead, Trump shared that he and Biden plan to meet again before his inauguration, with Biden already confirming his attendance. “The Oval Office is so beautiful, and I certainly look forward [to coming back],” Trump added.
The meeting marked a significant moment in the transition process, highlighting cooperation between the two political figures as Trump prepares for his return to the White House.
