Biden and Trump to meet in Oval Office on Wednesday for postelection meeting

WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden will meet with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday for a traditional postelection meeting, the White House announced on Saturday.

This meeting, customary between outgoing and incoming presidents, is part of the peaceful transfer of power that marks a cornerstone of American democracy.

The meeting comes after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, in the presidential election.

However, when Biden won the 2020 election, then-President Trump did not host him for a similar meeting, breaking tradition.

Biden had called Trump on Wednesday to offer his congratulations and invite him for the meeting.

The White House confirmed that the meeting will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

In a speech on Thursday, Biden reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a peaceful and orderly transition, stating that he would direct his entire administration to work with Trump’s team to facilitate the process. “That’s what the American people deserve,” Biden added.

When asked about Trump as he left church on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Biden said, “I’m going to see him on Wednesday.” — Agencies