Trump And Biden Finalize Plans For Oval Office Meeting

The White House has confirmed in a statement that President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are scheduled to meet in the Oval Office on Wednesday after the election.

On the day after Trump’s remarkable comeback victory, Biden contacted his longtime rival to offer congratulations and extend the invitation. In addition to the Oval Office meeting, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. Eastern Time, it’s expected that the two will also share a lunch.

As Biden left a church in Delaware on Saturday, reporters asked about his upcoming meeting and his relationship with the president-elect, whom Biden has previously described as posing a "threat to the Republic" during his administration.

One reporter shouted, “Is President Trump still a threat to democracy?”

“I’m gonna see him on Wednesday,” Biden replied before stepping into a waiting car.

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Following the decisive election defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden made a major announcement from the White House.

While speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden commended Harris for her campaign efforts and the dedication of her team, and he congratulated Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance on their victory.

“I congratulated President-elect Trump and assured him of a peaceful and orderly transition. That’s what the people deserve,” Biden remarked.

“You can’t love your country only when you win. I hope we can see each other as fellow Americans and bring down the temperature,” Biden added.

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Biden extended a congratulatory call to Trump, inviting him to the White House for a meeting.

The White House stated, “President Biden expressed his commitment to a smooth transition and stressed the importance of working together to unify the country.”

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung confirmed the meeting, saying it “will take place shortly.”

“President Joe Biden called President Donald J. Trump to congratulate him on his win and extended an invitation to the White House to ensure a smooth transition between the current and incoming administrations. President Trump appreciates the call and looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly,” Cheung stated.

On Wednesday, Biden also reached out to Vice President Kamala Harris, commending her “historic campaign,” per the White House.

After Harris’s address to the nation on Wednesday afternoon, Biden issued a statement celebrating Harris, describing her as a “remarkable partner and public servant of integrity, courage, and character.”

“Under extraordinary circumstances, she led a historic campaign that demonstrated what’s possible with a strong moral compass and a vision for a more just, free nation with greater opportunity for all Americans,” Biden said.

Biden reflected on his decision to choose Harris as his running mate, calling it “the best decision” he made.

“Her story reflects the best of America’s story. And as she expressed today, I am confident she will continue to write that story,” Biden stated.

“She will press on with purpose, determination, and joy, championing all Americans. Above all, she will be a leader whom future generations will look up to as she shapes America’s future,” Biden added.

Last Wednesday, Harris called Trump to concede the presidential race.

Trump’s team has since shared details from the conversation between the two leaders.

According to a senior Harris aide, Harris congratulated Trump, and her campaign manager, Jen O’Malley Dillon, told staff that Harris promised to ensure a peaceful transfer of power from Biden’s administration to Trump’s.

“You gave everything. You built an extraordinary, historic campaign in under 90 days. You navigated challenges that no one else has faced and likely never will again. Losing is incredibly hard and painful, and it will take time to process. But now, we begin the work of protecting America from the impacts of a Trump presidency,” O’Malley Dillon wrote to the staff.

Trump’s campaign communications director, Steven Cheung, noted that Trump “acknowledged Vice President Harris’s strength, professionalism, and resilience during the campaign, and both leaders agreed on the importance of bringing the country together.”