In pics: Trump meets outgoing President Biden; both pledge smooth transition

President-elect Donald Trump made a significant return to the White House on Wednesday for a meeting with President Joe Biden, marking his first visit since leaving nearly four years ago amid a storm of controversies.

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Before heading to the White House, Trump met with House Republicans and suggested that he could be open to a constitution-breaking third term in office, in remarks made to House Republicans ahead of the start of his second term.

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House Republicans gave Trump a standing ovation, with many recording him on their cellphones as he highlighted their party’s victories across various races.

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At the meeting, Trump was joined by billionaire Elon Musk, who has become highly influential in Trump's transition team.

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After visiting House Republicans, US President-elect Donald Trump met Biden and thanked President Joe Biden for pledging a smooth transfer of power.

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"Politics can be challenging, and often it's not a very kind world. But today, it is, and I truly appreciate it," Trump remarked after shaking hands with Biden in the Oval Office.

Biden greeted Trump warmly, offering his congratulations and saying, “Welcome back.” Biden extended an invitation to his longtime rival to visit the White House, a gesture that Trump had withheld in 2020, never formally acknowledging Biden’s win.

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Following their public handshake, the private discussions may have been difficult for Biden, who has previously labeled Trump a threat to democracy.

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The previous encounter between Trump and Biden was far from amicable. During a June debate in Atlanta, Biden accused Trump of being a "convicted felon" with "the morals of an alley cat." Trump, in turn, labeled Biden a "Manchurian candidate" who "gets paid by China."

(Photo: AP)