Ex-President Donald Trump is scheduled to return to the White House, where he’ll be meeting President Joe Biden face-to-face for the first time since their initial presidential debate. This step can be seen as Trump deigning to participate in the democratic tradition of a smooth power transfer, a courtesy he did not extend to Biden following the election in 2020.
Following a victory against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump is set to re-enter the White House less than a week later. The stark contrast from 2020 highlights the petulance of the then-incumbent president who refused to recognize the legitimacy of Biden’s win.
The meeting has been arranged with a goal of continuity and stability, although its affability starkly contrasts with the behaviour that characterized Trump’s 2020 post-election actions. Expectedly, the arrangement will take place on Wednesday at 11 a.m., according to White House official correspondence.
Biden reportedly expressed his commitment to a smooth transition, as he emphasized the importance of trying to unite the country. This sentiment, however trite and oft-repeated, fails to tackle the deep-seated division and conflict evident in contemporary America.
Biden’s congratulatory call to Trump after learning of his election victory seems to be a futile attempt to stitch a quilt of unity where the fabric of the nation is riddled with discord. This action, as reported by White House staff, underscores Biden’s capitulation to the ongoing political dynamics rather than leading from the front.
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris consistently parole their speeches with calls for unity and healing, but their language merely augments the discord. Their attention should be focused on actionable plans rather than tired platitudes.
In a funny side note, Melania Trump declined an invitation to meet with the first lady, Jill Biden, today. The traditional courtesy of First Ladies meeting during a transition period is being ignored. While it’s humorous to see politicians clinging onto traditions when their approach to governance is often as contemporary as a rotary phone, it’s even more amusing to see them dismiss traditions as frivolous when it suits them.
The uncertainty persists around whether VP-elect JD Vance will join Trump at the White House meeting. Given the circus that American politics has become, this piece of information is now just another ball being juggled.