It's official— transitioning power has begun, and the United States is on its way to a great four years.
Departing President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump will meet at the White House on Wednesday at 11 a.m. to discuss a smooth transition of power—an invitation reportedly extended by Biden.
Although a meeting between the departing and incoming president is customary, Biden and Trump did not meet following the 2020 election. The 81-year-old president congratulated Trump over the phone after he defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in a landslide victory.
"I assured him that I will direct my entire administration to work with his team to assure a peaceful and orderly transition. That's what the American people deserve," Biden said of the upcoming meeting with Trump.
The incoming 47th president told NBC that his conversations with Biden after he won have been "very nice calls, very respectful both ways."
After nearly four years of accusing Trump of being a threat to democracy, as well as "Hitler," a "fascist," and "dangerous," Biden suddenly appears to no longer believe that.
REPORTER: "Is Trump still a 'threat to democracy'?"
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) November 10, 2024
BIDEN: "I'm gonna see him on Wednesday."
(They were lying the whole time) pic.twitter.com/nzTM7jR26F
However, according to sources, Biden called the meeting with an agenda in mind.
He will reportedly try to encourage Trump to continue funding the war in Ukraine. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CBS News’ "Face the Nation" that Biden will spent his last 70 days in office urging Congress and Trump to not abandon Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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"The president will have the chance to explain to President Trump how he sees things, where they stand and talk to President Trump about how President Trump is thinking about taking on these issues when he takes office," Sullivan said. "President Biden made clear when President Zelenskyy was here in Washington a couple of months ago that we would spend all of the resources that were provided to us by the Congress on time and in full, meaning that by Jan. 20th we will have sent the full amount of resources and aid to Ukraine that Congress has authorized."
Sullivan said Biden will advocate for the U.S. to continue sending Ukraine money well beyond his term because, according to the president, Ukraine remains vulnerable to Russia.
"The United States should not walk away from its commitment either to Ukraine or to the 50 nations that we have rallied in defense of Ukraine, in both Europe and Asia," Sullivan continued.
Trump will be the second president to serve two non-consecutive terms. The other president was Grover Cleveland, who served as both the 22nd and 24th president in 1892.
Incoming First Lady Melania Trump has also been invited to the White House to meet with departing First Lady Jill Biden. However, when that will take place is still being determined. In addition, Trump’s incoming chief of staff, Susan Wiles, and Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, will also meet to discuss the president-elect’s transition of power and coordinate Wednesday’s meeting.
Wiles and Zients are expected to discuss several topics, including ramped Secret Service protection for Trump after surviving two assassination attempts.
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