The transition to the incoming administration seemed to start on a positive note Wednesday, with President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump sharing a cordial moment in the Oval Office.
Biden appeared genuinely pleased to host the 45th president at the White House, despite the unusual circumstances of his own unceremonious exit from the presidential race.
“Congratulations, and I’m looking forward to…having a smooth transition. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated. We’re going to get the chance to talk about some of that today,” Biden said as the two shook hands.
“Welcome back,” the smiling incumbent added.
Trump, true to his style, responded warmly but directly: “Politics is tough, and in many cases, it’s not a nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.”
"Welcome back" – Biden to Trump pic.twitter.com/0DelxN0a5g
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 13, 2024
This marked the first time the two men had been together since June 27, during a presidential debate where Biden’s poor performance led to his withdrawal from the race.
https://twitter.com/johnnymaga/status/1856734237908480131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1856734237908480131%7Ctwgr%5Ef0edb9205fe8b475049aa885befd70e080c1dc95%7Ctwcon%5Es1&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.westernjournal.com%2Fwelcome-back-internet-cant-get-bidens-expression-trump-white-house-meeting%2F
The internet quickly seized on Biden’s cheerful demeanor during the meeting with Trump—a figure often demonized by Democrats. Conservative social media influencer Greg Price quipped, “I don’t think Joe Biden has ever been happier in his entire life.” One user replied humorously, “Two Trump voters.”
I don't think Joe Biden has ever been happier in his entire life.pic.twitter.com/6loHpwhKVk
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 13, 2024
Some on social media also recalled Biden donning a Trump campaign hat at an event in Pennsylvania last September, fueling speculation about his sentiments.
Reports of tension between Biden and Democratic elites have long circulated. In August, Politico reported that Biden harbored lingering resentment toward figures like former President Barack Obama and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who allegedly pressured him to withdraw from the presidential race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee.
While Biden’s departure from the race may have left him bitter, his current mood suggests a newfound lightness, particularly in the wake of Harris’s failed presidential bid.
During remarks in the White House Rose Garden last week, Biden appeared in high spirits while reflecting on the election results. His comments even hinted at a sense of relief.
“Campaigns are contests of competing visions. The country chooses one or the other. We accept the choice the country made,” he said.
Speculation abounds about Biden’s feelings toward Trump’s victory. Some are even wondering, half-jokingly, if Biden cast his own vote for Trump.
