US President Joe Biden has promised President-elect Donald Trump an unimpeded transfer of power.
The two hold a meeting at the White House at Biden's initiative. They shook hands in the Oval Office and Biden congratulated his successor on the election victory.
"Politics is hard, and in many cases it's not a very nice world," Trump said.
Biden said he expected a smooth transition, and Trump responded, "It's going to be as smooth as possible, and I appreciate that, Joe."
"You're welcome," added Biden with a smile.
Donald Trump will be sworn in as president for the second time on January 20. He decisively defeated Democratic Party candidate Kamala Harris in the election, which was held on November 5.
It is expected that at today's meeting, Biden will insist on the continuation of American aid to Ukraine.
"He believes in norms. He believes in our institutions," White House press secretary Karin Jean-Pierre said when asked why Biden invited Trump to the Oval Office.
"The American people deserve this, a peaceful transfer of power," Jean-Pierre added.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden would discuss top foreign policy issues with Trump -- including U.S. support for Ukraine against Russia.
The meeting could prove to be a bitter pill to swallow for Biden, who has repeatedly called Trump a "threat to democracy." | BGNES
