President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are scheduled for a high-profile meeting at the White House on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the peaceful transition of power. The meeting, set for 11:00 a.m. (1600 GMT) in the Oval Office, follows Biden’s recent pledge to ensure an orderly transfer of power to Trump, who won the November 5 election.
This meeting is a remarkable event in American politics. Trump, who had refused to concede his 2020 election loss to Biden, made a historic return to the presidency, securing more votes than in his first term despite legal controversies and past impeachments.
His victory reflects the enduring influence of his strong right-wing policies on a large section of the American electorate. Biden’s return of power to a previous officeholder recalls a rare historical precedent: President Benjamin Harrison handing back the presidency to Grover Cleveland in the late 1800s.
Biden, who dropped out of the 2024 race earlier this year due to concerns about his health at age 81, called Trump to formally congratulate him on his victory. In a televised address, Biden urged Americans to “bring down the temperature” and encouraged unity, highlighting a stark contrast to Trump’s refusal to accept his own 2020 defeat.
Despite his return, Trump’s policies signal a sharp shift. His stance on climate change, for instance, remains resolute; he is expected to dismantle Biden’s climate initiatives, vowing to prioritize oil drilling and traditional energy sources.
In exit polls, voters voiced concerns primarily about the economy and inflation, which had escalated following the pandemic. Many believe that these issues heavily influenced the election outcome, paving the way for Trump’s comeback.
