**Trump and Biden Meet in White House for Transition Talks**

In a significant demonstration of political courtesy, President-elect Donald Trump returned to the White House and met with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office on Wednesday. This marks Trump's first visit to Washington since his election victory last week and his first presence in the White House since 2021.

As the pair sat side by side, Trump acknowledged the often harsh nature of politics but expressed a rare moment of civility. "Politics is tough, and in many cases it's not a nice world, but it is a nice world today," Trump remarked to reporters. The meeting adhered to a longstanding tradition of cooperative transition, something Trump notably eschewed four years ago after his 2020 election defeat.

Contrasting sharply with the unrest and resultant January 6 Capitol attack of 2021, sparked by Trump's refusal to accept the 2020 election results, this meeting symbolized a return to procedural norms. Trump skipped attending Biden's inauguration that year but now plans to partake in the January 20 inauguration ceremony.

Biden extended his congratulations to Trump and emphasized the importance of a seamless transfer of power. "Congratulations and I look forward to a smooth transition," Biden stated. Trump reciprocated the sentiment by acknowledging Biden's efforts, saying, "It will be as smooth as it can get and I very much appreciate that, Joe." The meeting concluded with the two leaders shaking hands.

Absent from the tradition was Melania Trump, who did not attend, breaking a customary meeting between the incoming and outgoing first ladies. However, First Lady Jill Biden accompanied her husband and handed Trump a handwritten letter addressed to Melania Trump, offering assistance in the forthcoming transition, as confirmed by the White House.

Earlier in the day, Trump convened with congressional Republicans in a private meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, underscoring the preparatory undertakings as he gears up for his upcoming presidential term.