Anticipating the White House Meeting Between Joe Biden and Donald Trump: Five Things to Expect

President Joe Biden has extended an invitation to Donald Trump for a meeting at the White House today. Here’s what we can expect from this anticipated event.

Guest List

The meeting is scheduled for 11am local time (4pm UK time). It remains uncertain if anyone else will be present for the informal gathering.

Last night, it was unclear whether vice president Kamala Harris would attend, and vice president-elect JD Vance had not yet received an invitation from her.

Although Melania Trump, the future first lady, has been invited to accompany her husband, it is unlikely that she will attend. However, she did join her husband for a similar visit in 2016, where she had tea with the then first lady Michelle Obama in the Yellow Oval Room.

It is also uncertain if the current first lady, Dr. Jill Biden, will participate, although she is expected to be at the White House.

Enemies Reunited

The upcoming Oval Office meeting between Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump will be their first since their contentious TV debate in Atlanta last June. It was in that debate that Mr. Biden’s mistakes ultimately influenced his candidacy.

During that debate, there was no handshake between the two adversaries, setting the tone for a tense exchange of words.

“I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence,” remarked Mr. Trump. “I don’t think he knows what he said either.”

Mr. Biden, on the other hand, called Mr. Trump a “sucker” and a “loser.”

Read more:
The big numbers behind Trump’s attempt to shape his legacy
Bluesky gets surge in users switching from X after US election

The meeting is expected to be filled with the kind of animosity that has defined their relationship. In the past, Mr. Biden has described Mr. Trump as a “threat to this nation,” while Mr. Trump has labeled Mr. Biden as “stupid” and a “low-IQ individual.”

Notably, Mr. Trump has threatened to seek retribution against Mr. Biden, vowing to appoint a “real special prosecutor” to pursue him.

On this significant occasion, we anticipate witnessing the frostiest handshake in American history.

Precedent

After the 2016 election, former president Barack Obama invited president-elect Trump to the White House for a meeting just two days later.

The meeting in the Oval Office lasted about 90 minutes, with Mr. Obama describing it as “an excellent conversation” encompassing various topics.

During that time, Vice President Biden also met with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, and subsequently, the Bidens hosted the Pences at their residence.

However, Mr. Trump chose not to invite Mr. Biden for a White House visit in 2020, as he refused to concede the election, breaking a long-standing presidential tradition.

Previous transitions of power saw former presidents hosting their successors, with George W. Bush welcoming Barack Obama in 2008, Laura Bush hosting Michelle Obama, and Bill Clinton hosting George W. Bush in 2000.

What will Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump discuss?

While there is no official agenda published, it is expected that we will hear directly from either or both men during the meeting, which will be captured by TV cameras, allowing for questions to be asked.

Reflecting on his meeting with Mr. Trump in 2016, former president Barack Obama highlighted discussions on setting up the White House, foreign policy, and domestic policy. He emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth transition for the president-elect.

The meeting serves as a familiarization session for both parties, as senior staff members will also engage with their counterparts.

What’s in it for them?

For both individuals, this meeting signifies a smooth transition of power and a commitment to the nation’s welfare. The outgoing and incoming presidents collaborate for the country’s benefit. Mr. Trump stands to benefit from showcasing his clear victory and claiming his rewards.

On the other hand, Mr. Biden sees a peaceful transition as a representation of values that Mr. Trump lacks: respect for the presidency, the people, and democracy.

While the meeting may appear ceremonial, it holds significant political implications at its core.