US President-elect Donald Trump will step back into the White House on Wednesday to meet with current President Joe Biden. This will mark Trump’s first official visit to the nation’s executive residence since he left nearly four years ago.
Biden’s invitation is seen as a notable attempt to restore the tradition of a smooth transition, though Trump, 78, famously declined to extend the same courtesy to Biden in 2020 after his election loss.
President Biden, now 81, is expected to discuss key issues during the 11:00 a.m. meeting (1600 GMT), with a strong emphasis on foreign policy, including ongoing U.S. support for Ukraine.
Biden’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, confirmed that support for Ukraine will be a top agenda item, as Trump has previously suggested he may end U.S. aid to the country if re-elected.
“He believes in the norms. He believes in our institutions,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained, stressing Biden’s commitment to a peaceful transfer of power. However, breaking from tradition, Melania Trump will not attend the meeting, her office confirmed on social media.
Trump’s meeting at the White House coincides with his efforts to finalize his next administration. He has moved quickly, appointing prominent figures to lead his agenda, including billionaire Elon Musk, who is expected to oversee a new department focused on cutting government spending.
Musk’s presence underscores his significant influence within Trump’s team, with reports suggesting he will join Trump at various meetings with GOP leaders this week. Other rumored appointments include Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to head Homeland Security.
