‘Welcome home’: Biden invites Trump for tea

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US President Joe Biden has welcomed president-elect Donald Trump to the White House.
US President Joe Biden has welcomed president-elect Donald Trump to the White House.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden has invited his successor Donald Trump for tea at the White House shortly before Trump’s swearing-in.

The two politicians were accompanied by their wives, Jill Biden and Melania Trump.

The Democrat greeted the Republican with the words “Welcome home”.

The tradition of a joint meeting at the White House on the day of the transfer of power has historical roots.

It serves to put aside political differences for a moment and to underline the smooth transition between two administrations.

Before Trump’s first term in office, he and his wife Melania were received by Barack and Michelle Obama at the centre of government.

However, the change of power in 2021 took a different course.

An official meeting between the two, as is customary, did not take place.

Trump did not recognise Biden’s election victory and stayed away from his successor’s inauguration.

Shortly before leaving the White House, Biden posted a photograph of himself and his wife.

“One more selfie for the road. We love you, America,” he wrote on the platform X on Monday morning.

The photo shows Biden, 82, and his wife Jill, 73, beaming against the backdrop of a snowy garden at the White House.

Trump is due to be sworn in as the successor to Biden as the new US president at midday in Washington DC.

DPA