After all his warnings about the danger posed to democracy if Donald Trump won the election, President Biden welcomed his nemesis to the White House in a time-honoured display of normality.
Trump arrived a few minutes late and the pair sat together in the Oval Office for the cameras for just over a minute before holding a private meeting.
Biden, 81, reached forward to shake Trump by the hand, saying: “Former president, Donald, congratulations. I’m looking forward to having a smooth transition. We’ll do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated, what you need — we’re going to get a chance to talk about some of that today. Welcome. Welcome back.”
The pair sat together for photographs before a private meeting
EVAN VUCCI/AP
Biden was pictured with his wife, Jill, before the meeting but Trump’s wife Melania did not attend
HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS
“Thank you very much,” Trump said. “Politics is tough and it’s in