WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President-elect Donald Trump returned to Washington for the first time since his re-election. President Joe Biden welcomed Trump to the White House while House Republicans celebrated with him on Capitol Hill.
The White House says the leaders met for about two hours although officials wouldn’t get too specific but say the length of the meeting itself shows just how much they covered.
President Joe Biden gave President-elect Donald Trump what he didn’t receive after the 2020 election, a traditional Oval Office visit as part of the peaceful transfer of power.
“We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated,” said Biden.
During their two-hour meeting the leaders covered a wide range of topics according to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
“They discussed important national security and domestic policy issues facing the nation and the world,” said Jean-Pierre.
Jean-Pierre says President Biden also focused on the work lawmakers have to do between now and January including funding the government and passing large defense and agriculture bills.
“Important items on Congress’s to-do list for the lame duck session,” said Jean-Pierre.
President-elect Trump also took a victory lap on Capitol Hill with House Republicans.
“It’s nice to win,” said Trump.
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) gave Trump the credit for the GOP winning back the Senate and keeping the House.
“So, we owe him a great debt of gratitude. He is a singular figure in American history,” said Johnson.
There was still some bucking of tradition in the transition process. Melania Trump did not go to the White House to meet with Dr. Jill Biden. The White House says the First Lady gave President-elect Trump a handwritten letter of congratulations for Melania.
