Washington, DC: In a rare scene in modern American politics, President Joe Biden welcomes President-Elect Donald Trump back to the White House on Wednesday. That moment meant as a peaceful transfer of power, stands at stark odds with 2020, when Trump refused to concede his loss to Biden. While the images of the two men shaking hands in the Oval Office with a warm fire behind them are the photogenic version, the backstory of their rivalry is far more complex.
Four years ago, Trump left the White House without extending a congratulatory hand to Biden and instead contested the election results. Now, at 81, Biden said to the 78-year-old Trump: “Welcome back,” with a handshake. This stage seemed to bring the two leaders at least visually close, who have often clashed over their notions of democracy and governance. Indeed, Biden had dropped out of the re-election race in July; he had just last week seen his vice president, Kamala Harris, lose to Trump. Above all, though they were different, he would reassure Trump of a “smooth transition“, adding that the White House would do its utmost to help.
This very choreographed reunion saw Biden don a formalism, with his eyes cast downwards while Trump leaned over Biden, his eyes held nailed to the opponents. It does not go unnoticed that this very point in contrasting personalities is more reserved and the other more assertive. Biden knew exactly what he had set out to do: restore civility to this critical juncture of the transfer of the leadership of America.
As Trump gazed out the windows of the White House reflecting on his contentious return, he acknowledged the rough world of politics: “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.” That statement presages his stated desire to project a more gracious image, even if that softer tone flies at odd angles with the divisive rhetoric that defined his campaign. Trump had promised a handover that would be “as smooth as you can get,” but transition reports suggest that key transition documents remain unsigned by his team, which may make it complicated in the actuality of handing over.
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None of which one should be surprised about on a day when Melania Trump, soon to become the first lady, wasn’t anywhere in sight, never having seemed to have participated in Trump’s first term. Instead of Melania, Jill Biden brought her husband along to give the candidate a handwritten letter, a gesture almost too personal probably aimed at showing that connection between two seemingly opposing families.
Another likely hot item on Biden’s mind was the US stance on Ukraine. Biden has been a long-time advocate of defensive action against Russia’s aggression upon Ukraine—a posture Trump has openly called into question. Such a discussion may have brought up the topic of America’s defense of her allies, one of the core themes of Biden’s foreign policy but a position Trump appears less dedicated to continuing.
For Biden, an invitation from Trump to the White House represents a return to the normal mechanism of power, contrary to 2021 when Trump left the White House without recognizing Biden’s victory. A sudden departure and a riot at the Capitol put Trump on rocky ground with his Republicans. However, over the coming months, his influence and loyal base pulled him back into favor, and he now enters office with near-complete control of the Republican Party and perhaps both houses of Congress.
Hints from Trump over a Third Term?
Ironically, while Trump was to step aside for an audience with Biden, at the time he was speaking at another function in the vicinity and, in effect laughed at himself on what he considered the possibility of a third term. That opinion was enough to have those in the audience laugh at since any third term would go against the maximum constitutional principle. Perhaps a joke on the part of Trump, his remarks raised political debate on the issue of long-term agenda as well as opinion on governance.
READ MORE | Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to Lead Trump’s Government DOGE Initiative
Attended by Elon Musk during a recent meeting, Trump announced the appointment of Musk to a new government spending task force. The two strategized over how to streamline government spending, a promise Trump has leaned on in his plans for the nation. In addition to Musk, Trump nominated Fox News host Pete Hegseth as his defense secretary.
A strong anti-“woke” military critic, Hegseth has little experience with the armed forces and less as an officer of the Defense Department – which has called into question whether he’s appropriate for such a senior position. The most controversial, high-profile appointment was South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to the Department of Homeland Security. Noem, known for her independent streak, was previously causing controversy over personal stories, like the time she wrote about shooting her dog after it did not respond to training.
These appointments, alongside Trump’s sweeping plans, suggest that he’s trying to surround himself with loyalists who share his views even if they lack traditional experience in their roles. I believe this approach can be able to forge unity in his cabinet but raises questions over whether they can run those demanding positions. Strongly opinionated figures without vast experiences, broad and deep, in their respective spheres, may be bold but further worsen the stability of departments dealing with national security and defense.
This reminds me of how American politics often oscillates between the customs and the new dynamics. We are witnessing a unique era in which norms are tested repeatedly, a leader of the extreme left is forced to be positioned with a counterpart from the extreme right, even if only symbolically. Will this handshake finally be one that will mark the beginning of a more cooperative transition? Too early to say now, but time will tell.
Let’s hear what you have to say about this new transition. Drop your comments below sharing your views on Trump returning and Biden responding to it!
Minutes by M31GlobalNews
