Publish: 11:48, 14 Nov, 2024 Updated: 13:03, 14 Nov, 2024

'Welcome back': Trump, Biden shake hands in White House

Online Desk
'Welcome back': Trump, Biden shake hands in White House
Photo - Collected

Outgoing President Joe Biden extended a gesture of graciousness to Donald Trump on his return to the White House on Wednesday, despite Trump's previous denial of offering the same courtesy to him four years earlier.

Trump's visit came as Republicans were declared the majority party in the House of Representatives to give him complete control of Congress -- and as he announced a string of hardline picks for his top team, including firebrand Matt Gaetz as attorney general, reports AFP.

The US president and president-elect shook hands in front of a roaring fire in the Oval Office, with Biden restoring a tradition that Trump broke when he refused to recognize his 2020 defeat by Biden.

"Welcome back," Biden, 81, said as he congratulated the 78-year-old Trump -- the man he has repeatedly branded a danger to democracy -- and pledged a smooth transfer of power.

Biden, who dropped out of the election in July but saw his successor Kamala Harris lose to Trump last week, said he would do "everything we can to make sure you're accommodated."

As the two presidents with a combined age of 159 years shook hands, Biden appeared to look down, while Trump leaned forward and looked him in the eyes.

Trump riled up a mob that attacked the US Capitol in 2021 and ran a brutal and divisive election campaign this year -- but sought to strike a courteous tone on his return visit to the White House.

‘Politics is tough’

"Politics is tough, and in many cases, it's not a very nice world. It is a nice world today and I appreciate it very much," said Trump, the 45th US president and soon to be the 47th.

Trump added that the transfer of power would be "smooth as you can get."

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre later said the talks lasted nearly two hours and were "very cordial, very gracious."

Biden in particular stressed to Trump, who has been sceptical about US support for Ukraine, the need to stand with Kyiv against Russia, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

Trump will however have almost complete control over the levers of the US government after the Republicans added to their control of the Senate with a majority in the US House of Representatives.

The billionaire tycoon is now moving fast to appoint a team -- with ultra-loyalists taking key posts.

Hours after the polite show of the Biden meeting, Trump named right-wing Florida lawmaker Gaetz as his top legal official, rewarding the loyalty of a staunch ally who has defended him in his court battles and impeachment fights.

He also named former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard -- who has opposed US support for Ukraine and met Syria's president Bashar al-Assad -- as his incoming director of national intelligence.

Trump said Gaetz would "end Weaponized Government" in a post widely viewed as an indicator of how strongly the president-elect will seek legal retribution against his opponents.

Gaetz however faces a stormy confirmation process, as he still faces a US congressional ethics panel probe into allegations of sex trafficking and having sex with a minor.

Third Trump term?

In a more conventional pick, Trump on Wednesday named Florida senator and China hawk Marco Rubio as his Secretary of State.

But his nomination of Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his defence secretary on Tuesday has also raised eyebrows, given the former veteran's lack of experience in managing anything on the scale of the world's most powerful military.

Trump has meanwhile named the world's richest man and key ally Elon Musk as head of a new group aimed at slashing government spending.

Space X, Tesla and X boss Musk accompanied Trump to Washington on Wednesday from Florida, where the president has spent the week since the election at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Meeting Republicans at a Washington hotel ahead of the White House meeting, an ebullient Trump suggested that he could even be open to a third term in office -- which would violate the US constitution.

"I suspect I won't be running again unless you say, 'He's good, we got to figure something else,'" he said, drawing some laughter.

Bd-pratidin English/ Fariha Nowshin Chinika

More News
‘Genocide-Free’ cola gains popularity in the United Kingdom
‘Genocide-Free’ cola gains popularity in the United Kingdom
Canada reports its first case of clade I mpox
Canada reports its first case of clade I mpox
US reports first bird-flu case in a child
US reports first bird-flu case in a child
Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor
Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor
Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 9 medics in Gaza
Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 9 medics in Gaza
World's tallest and shortest women share tea in London
World's tallest and shortest women share tea in London
Fears for Gaza hospitals as fuel and aid run low
Fears for Gaza hospitals as fuel and aid run low
Trump could ban British lawyer leading Netanyahu ICC prosecution, reports say
Trump could ban British lawyer leading Netanyahu ICC prosecution, reports say
Putin hints at strikes on West in 'global' Ukraine war
Putin hints at strikes on West in 'global' Ukraine war
China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy
China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy
UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon
UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon
Ukraine’s parliament cancels session after Russia fired a new missile
Ukraine’s parliament cancels session after Russia fired a new missile
Latest News
‘Genocide-Free’ cola gains popularity in the United Kingdom
‘Genocide-Free’ cola gains popularity in the United Kingdom

4 minutes ago | International

South Korea's development: A model for our future growth
South Korea's development: A model for our future growth

31 minutes ago | Special

Canada reports its first case of clade I mpox
Canada reports its first case of clade I mpox

43 minutes ago | International

3 IUT students die as picnic bus gets electrocuted in Gazipur
3 IUT students die as picnic bus gets electrocuted in Gazipur

58 minutes ago | City

'Bhagam Bhag 2' confirmed! Akshay Kumar, Govinda, and Paresh Rawal to return!
'Bhagam Bhag 2' confirmed! Akshay Kumar, Govinda, and Paresh Rawal to return!

1 hour ago | Showbiz

Man ‘beaten to death’ in Kushtia: Police
Man ‘beaten to death’ in Kushtia: Police

1 hour ago | City

We aim to strengthen our harmonious connection with all communities: Adviser Supradip Chakma
We aim to strengthen our harmonious connection with all communities: Adviser Supradip Chakma

1 hour ago | National

I did not come to Saudi for money, but to win: Ronaldo
I did not come to Saudi for money, but to win: Ronaldo

1 hour ago | Sports

Dhaka-Benapole train service via Padma Bridge from Dec 2
Dhaka-Benapole train service via Padma Bridge from Dec 2

2 hours ago | National

US reports first bird-flu case in a child
US reports first bird-flu case in a child

3 hours ago | International

BNP declines responsibility
BNP declines responsibility

3 hours ago | National

Cold weather grips Kurigram as temperature drops to 16 degrees Celsius
Cold weather grips Kurigram as temperature drops to 16 degrees Celsius

3 hours ago | City

Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor
Trump chooses Bessent to be treasury secretary, Vought as budget chief, Chavez-DeRemer for Labor

3 hours ago | International

Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 9 medics in Gaza
Israeli strikes kill a hospital director in Lebanon and wound 9 medics in Gaza

3 hours ago | International

Bowlers struggle to claim five Windies wickets on Day 1
Bowlers struggle to claim five Windies wickets on Day 1

3 hours ago | Sports

New CEC Nasir Uddin and four commissioners to take oath tomorrow
New CEC Nasir Uddin and four commissioners to take oath tomorrow

4 hours ago | National

Bangladesh Bank criticizes Moody’s downgrade rating
Bangladesh Bank criticizes Moody’s downgrade rating

4 hours ago | Economy

Dhaka ranks 3rd worst globally on Saturday morning
Dhaka ranks 3rd worst globally on Saturday morning

4 hours ago | City

World's tallest and shortest women share tea in London
World's tallest and shortest women share tea in London

4 hours ago | International

Fears for Gaza hospitals as fuel and aid run low
Fears for Gaza hospitals as fuel and aid run low

5 hours ago | International

Trump could ban British lawyer leading Netanyahu ICC prosecution, reports say
Trump could ban British lawyer leading Netanyahu ICC prosecution, reports say

5 hours ago | International

Bangladesh dance troupe participates in Cultural Festival in India
Bangladesh dance troupe participates in Cultural Festival in India

16 hours ago | Showbiz

Putin hints at strikes on West in 'global' Ukraine war
Putin hints at strikes on West in 'global' Ukraine war

17 hours ago | International

2-day women photography exhibition begins in Rajshahi
2-day women photography exhibition begins in Rajshahi

17 hours ago | City

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl

17 hours ago | Sports

China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy
China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy

17 hours ago | International

Kings defeat Mohammedan 3-1 in season opener
Kings defeat Mohammedan 3-1 in season opener

18 hours ago | Sports

Government will move forward step by step towards the election: Hassan Arif
Government will move forward step by step towards the election: Hassan Arif

18 hours ago | National

UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon
UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon

19 hours ago | International

Bumrah leads India's fightback as Australia crumble in first Test
Bumrah leads India's fightback as Australia crumble in first Test

19 hours ago | Sports

Most Read
China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy
China is expanding visa-free entry to more countries in bid to boost economy

17 hours ago | International

Bangladesh keen to work with Orbis to expand eye care services: Prof Yunus
Bangladesh keen to work with Orbis to expand eye care services: Prof Yunus

21 hours ago | National

BD seeks EU support for US$ 200b to LDCs
BD seeks EU support for US$ 200b to LDCs

20 hours ago | National

Fascism will resurface if not eradicated: Adviser Adilur Rahman
Fascism will resurface if not eradicated: Adviser Adilur Rahman

23 hours ago | National

Trump could ban British lawyer leading Netanyahu ICC prosecution, reports say
Trump could ban British lawyer leading Netanyahu ICC prosecution, reports say

5 hours ago | International

US delegation of labor affairs arrives in Dhaka
US delegation of labor affairs arrives in Dhaka

23 hours ago | National

Strict anti-pollution measures in Delhi to remain in effect for at least 3 more days
Strict anti-pollution measures in Delhi to remain in effect for at least 3 more days

23 hours ago | International

Government will move forward step by step towards the election: Hassan Arif
Government will move forward step by step towards the election: Hassan Arif

18 hours ago | National

Trump pledges release of JFK files, experts question potential revelations
Trump pledges release of JFK files, experts question potential revelations

23 hours ago | International

Atiq, Alep, and Mohiuddin sent to prison after remand
Atiq, Alep, and Mohiuddin sent to prison after remand

20 hours ago | National

Touhid to lead Bangladesh at UNAOC Global Forum in Portugal
Touhid to lead Bangladesh at UNAOC Global Forum in Portugal

23 hours ago | National

Low pressure system expected to develop in the sea by Saturday
Low pressure system expected to develop in the sea by Saturday

23 hours ago | National

Cyberbullying awareness program Held in Charfesson
Cyberbullying awareness program Held in Charfesson

22 hours ago | Shuvosangho

Train services resume after 4-hour halt
Train services resume after 4-hour halt

19 hours ago | National

Bangladesh dance troupe participates in Cultural Festival in India
Bangladesh dance troupe participates in Cultural Festival in India

16 hours ago | Showbiz

Bumrah leads India's fightback as Australia crumble in first Test
Bumrah leads India's fightback as Australia crumble in first Test

19 hours ago | Sports

Auto-rickshaw drivers protest by blocking roads and railways in Jurain
Auto-rickshaw drivers protest by blocking roads and railways in Jurain

22 hours ago | National

Kings defeat Mohammedan 3-1 in season opener
Kings defeat Mohammedan 3-1 in season opener

18 hours ago | Sports

10 killed in attack on Sufi shrine in Afghanistan
10 killed in attack on Sufi shrine in Afghanistan

22 hours ago | International

ICC warrant to Netanyahu a 'political death' of Israel: Iran Guards Chief
ICC warrant to Netanyahu a 'political death' of Israel: Iran Guards Chief

22 hours ago | International

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl
Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bowl

17 hours ago | Sports

9 kishor gang members arrested in Hajiganj
9 kishor gang members arrested in Hajiganj

21 hours ago | National

Ireland women’s cricket team arrives in Dhaka
Ireland women’s cricket team arrives in Dhaka

21 hours ago | Sports

Indian commandos kill 10 Maoist rebels
Indian commandos kill 10 Maoist rebels

21 hours ago | International

2-day women photography exhibition begins in Rajshahi
2-day women photography exhibition begins in Rajshahi

17 hours ago | City

Ukraine’s parliament cancels session after Russia fired a new missile
Ukraine’s parliament cancels session after Russia fired a new missile

20 hours ago | International

UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon
UN reports heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in south Lebanon

19 hours ago | International

Putin hints at strikes on West in 'global' Ukraine war
Putin hints at strikes on West in 'global' Ukraine war

17 hours ago | International

World's tallest and shortest women share tea in London
World's tallest and shortest women share tea in London

4 hours ago | International

BNP declines responsibility
BNP declines responsibility

3 hours ago | National