Biden congratulates Trump in phone call, invites him to White House
3 Min Read
After claiming victory over Harris, Biden congratulated Trump on winning the presidency.
-
In this combination of photos, President Joe Biden speaks on August 10, 2023, in Salt Lake City, left, and former President Donald Trump speaks on July 8, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP)
The White House announced that US President Joe Biden called former President Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on winning the presidency.
The White House said that "President Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and emphasized the importance of working to bring the country together."
In response, the Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said the meeting "will take place shortly."
"President Joe Biden called President Donald J. Trump to congratulate him on his victory and extended an invitation to the White House to ensure a smooth transition between the current Administration and the incoming Administration. President Trump looks forward to the meeting, which will take place shortly, and very much appreciated the call," Cheung said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the White House said, President Biden also spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris to congratulate her on "her historic campaign."
After Harris' concession speech to the nation on Wednesday afternoon, Biden released a statement honoring her, describing her as a "tremendous partner and public servant, full of integrity, courage, and character."
"Under extraordinary circumstances, she stepped up and led a historic campaign that embodied what's possible when guided by a strong moral compass and a clear vision for a nation that is more free, more just, and full of more opportunities for all Americans," Biden said.
Biden said choosing Harris as his running mate was "the best decision" he made.
"Her story represents the best of America's story. And as she made clear today, I have no doubt that she'll continue writing that story," Biden said.
"She will continue the fight with purpose, determination, and joy. She will continue to be a champion for all Americans. Above all, she will continue to be a leader our children will look up to for generations to come as she puts her stamp on America's future," Biden added.
According to the Trump campaign, the newly elected president and Harris also spoke by phone on Wednesday, and Harris assured Trump that she would work with Biden to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, unlike the transition in 2020, according to an email from Harris campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon sent to campaign staff.
According to the White House, Biden is scheduled to address the election results and the transition process on Thursday.
Axios reported on November 7 that President-elect Donald Trump is focused on assembling a national security team for his second term, aiming to avoid the challenges that marked his first-term appointments.
The news website reported, citing sources close to the process, that Trump plans to appoint businessmen and CEOs to key national security roles, moving away from the reliance on former generals seen during his first term. He is also considering loyalists for prominent Washington positions who align closely with his policy vision.
Trump has repeatedly signaled that one of his top priorities would be negotiating peace between Russia and Ukraine, and he has also indicated that he would like to see the wars in Gaza and Lebanon come to a close by the time he is inaugurated.
