This was an interesting choice of words.
On January 20, 2017, President Joe Biden extended a warm gesture to President-elect Donald Trump as they met at the White House for the traditional pre-inauguration greetings. When Trump arrived at the White House, Biden, along with First Lady Jill Biden, welcomed him and his wife Melania with a gesture of respect and camaraderie. “Welcome home,” Biden said to the incoming president, reflecting a moment of unity amidst the political transition. This gesture was emblematic of the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of American democracy.
The two leaders, along with their spouses, shared a brief but meaningful pre-inauguration tea. This time-honored tradition allows the outgoing president and the incoming president to share a moment of cooperation before the weight of governance fully takes over. Following the tea, Biden and Trump left the White House together, heading to the Capitol for the official inauguration ceremony, marking the beginning of Trump’s presidency.
A long-standing custom in American politics is for the outgoing president to leave a letter for his successor, tucked away in the Oval Office desk. Although Biden chose not to reveal the contents of his note to Trump, this gesture reflects the commitment to respect and continuity, even amidst political differences. Four years prior, Trump had also left a letter for Biden, continuing this tradition of goodwill.
Earlier in the day, both the Trump family and the Bidens attended a church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. This moment of reflection and prayer marked a solemn occasion before the official commencement of a new presidential administration.
For many conservatives, this event symbolized a peaceful, respectful transition of power, reaffirming the importance of tradition and unity, even in times of political division.
