Trump returns to Washington for meeting with Biden, promises smooth transition

Donald Trump made his return to Washington on Wednesday, visiting the White House for a meeting with President Joe Biden.

The two leaders met in the Oval Office, where Trump, the Republican president-elect, committed to a smooth transition of power as he begins to form his new administration.

Biden, greeting Trump with a handshake, said, "Donald, congratulations," and expressed his hope for a smooth handover.

Trump, in return, thanked Biden for the invitation — one that Trump himself had not extended to Biden after losing the 2020 election — and pledged to work together on the transition.

“Thank you very much,” Trump said. “Politics is tough. And it’s, in many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much.”

Trump arrived in Washington from Florida, landing at a military base near the Capitol. He then met with billionaire Elon Musk and held a morning session with House Republicans.

As he prepares for a Republican-controlled government, Trump told lawmakers, "It’s nice to win," and received a standing ovation.

The former president, who left office nearly four years ago after the 6 January attack on the Capitol, made his first appearance in Washington since his election victory.

“I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say he’s good we got to figure something else,” Trump joked, causing laughter among the Republicans.

Despite his past criticism of Trump, Biden has promised to ensure a smooth transition, even though he had spent months campaigning for re-election, warning that Trump posed a threat to democracy.

However, Biden has softened his tone since the election, reassuring the public, “The American experiment endures. We’re going to be OK.”