Following the recent presidential election, President Joe Biden began the transition process with President-elect Donald Trump, underscoring the importance of a peaceful transfer of power despite previous criticisms labelling Trump as a danger to democracy.
On November 7, 2024, President Biden extended his congratulations to President-elect Trump on his victory, assuring him that his administration would collaborate to guarantee a smooth and orderly transition.
The President’s cooperative stance is notable in light of his strong views during the campaign, where he claimed that “our democracy is at stake if Trump were to win.” In the final stages of the election, Biden even suggested that Trump should be politically “locked up”.
On November 13, President Biden invited President-elect Trump to the White House, a significant milestone in the transition process. The meeting in the Oval Office was marked by its amicable nature, a contrast to the contentious election campaign. Both leaders stressed the need for unity and working collaboratively for the benefit of the nation.
In a subsequent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre fielded questions from FOX Business correspondent Edward Lawrence, who asked whether Biden had apologized to Trump during their meeting, given the stark contrast in tone from the campaign to the White House meeting. Jean-Pierre, seemingly caught off guard, questioned, “Apology from whom?”
When Lawrence clarified his query about a possible apology for the campaign rhetoric, Jean-Pierre pointed out that Biden stands by his earlier statements, and that his concerns about Trump’s effect on democracy are shared by others within the administration.
Jean-Pierre reiterated the administration’s commitment to a peaceful transition, highlighting that Biden’s role is to uphold stability and respect for the democratic process. Despite the White House’s conciliatory actions, she confirmed that the president’s views about Trump remain the same.
Jean-Pierre added that Biden’s concerns were mirrored by other officials, including former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly and other senior figures.
During another press conference, Jean-Pierre was visibly irritated when asked about the administration’s contrasting messages before and after the election. Fox News’ Jacqui Heinrich questioned her about this shift, to which Jean-Pierre responded with annoyance, accusing Heinrich of twisting her words. She ended the press conference expressing frustration over repeated questions on the same topic.
In August, Jean-Pierre had a heated exchange with Fox News reporter Peter Doocy over Vice President Kamala Harris’s stance on border policy. Doocy asked if Harris disagreed with President Biden’s approach to the southern border, implying a potential division within the administration. Jean-Pierre firmly dismissed this idea, stating, “There’s no daylight here. I’m not understanding the question because there’s no daylight.”
The current transition process is characterized by efforts to ensure an effective handover, while maintaining the administration’s long-held views on democratic values. As Biden’s team collaborates with Trump’s incoming administration, officials have emphasized the process is guided by respect for the American people’s will, despite significant ideological differences.
