Biden welcomes Trump back to Oval Office

Incoming president Donald Trump made his return to Washington on Wednesday, meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House for a nearly two-hour session ensuring a smooth transition of power between the two for the second time.

Despite the differences and handling of issues from the last four years, the meeting signaled a change in tone as Trump prepares for his second term in office.

The two former rivals greeted each other with a handshake despite being formal rivals. Biden acknowledged Trump’s victory, then for the rest of the time simply called him "Donald."

Biden said, adding, “I look forward to having, like they said, a smooth transition. Welcome. Welcome back.”

After the initial exchange, the meeting proceeded behind closed doors, with the two leaders joined by members of their staff.

Trump later expressed his commitment to the simple transition. This made headlines after his contrasting exit from his previous term four years ago when he contested the 2020 election results and called for recounts and fraud.

Trump is said to have filed multiple lawsuits claiming widespread voter fraud and refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory.

This followed by the Jan. 6 storming of the capital many of whom blame Trump for the actions.

Trump, once politically defeated after losing the 2020 election, is now preparing for a political comeback. His Republicans have regained control of the Senate, along with working to gain the House of Representatives.

Neither Biden nor Trump took questions from reporters or journalists following the meeting. However, Trump has begun meeting with large names in the world of news.

After his 2016 election win, Trump famously described his meeting with President Barack Obama as “a great honor.”

Melania, Trump's wife, did not accompany him to Washington.

Already taking action Trump has indicated he plans to continue pushing forward his agenda, with billionaire Elon Musk by his side. Musk, who has spent considerable time with Trump at his estates, was seen attending meetings with House Republicans during his trip to Washington.

Trump’s return to the political spotlight represents the purpose of America's right to vote as Trump held office in 2016 but then lost the following election in 2020.

As Biden prepares to exit the house he says, “Let’s make every day count.”

As one of his most recent and final projects this past Friday, Buttigieg announced over $3.4 billion in grants for projects designed to improve passenger rail service, help U.S. ports, reduce highway deaths and support domestic manufacturing of sustainable transportation materials.

Another large focus of President Biden's is being centered around environmental goals. The Environmental Protection Agency recently set a nationwide deadline for the removal of lead pipes and announced nearly $3 billion to help local water systems.

They also announced that oil and gas companies for the first time in American history will have to pay a federal fee if they emit dangerous gasses above certain levels.

These transition months in office, while already off to smoother transactions than the 2020 election are still to bring lots of changes to the policies being filed and approved.

Bronwyn Liber is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email brl5354@psu.edu.