Trump set to meet Biden at White House today, a first since 2020 election loss

US President-elect Donald Trump is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden at the White House on Wednesday, marking Trump’s first return to the Oval Office since losing the 2020 election to Biden. This will also be his first visit since his presidency ended amid claims of election fraud. Trump’s victory in all seven swing states, along with securing 312 electoral votes to Kamala Harris‘s 226, has ensured his return to the presidency.

This meeting represents a return to two key traditions: a peaceful transfer of power and the outgoing president attending the inauguration of the incoming president.

Trump, who refused to accept his 2020 election defeat to Biden, saw his rejection of the results culminate in the violent January 6, 2021 assault by his supporters on the US Capitol.

Falsely claiming voter fraud, Trump also refused to attend Biden’s inauguration and did not facilitate a proper transition of power.

However, in 2024, after Trump’s victory over Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden personally invited Trump to the White House, congratulating him on his win during a phone call on November 6.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasised that Biden’s invitation reflects his commitment to democratic norms.

“He believes in the norms,” Jean-Pierre stated, reported ABC News. “The American people deserve this. They deserve a peaceful transfer of power. They deserve a smooth transition.”

Before meeting Biden, House Speaker Mike Johnson said that Trump is expected to visit Capitol Hill to meet with House Republicans. Johnson described the upcoming meetings as significant for the Republican conference.

Trump and Biden are set to meet in the Oval Office at 11 am on Wednesday.