Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office today for the first time since he grudgingly left the White House nearly four years ago. He met there with President Biden, who promised that he would make sure Trump had what he needed for a smooth transition.
“Welcome,” Biden said. “Welcome back” — an acknowledgment of his failure to prevent Trump’s return to power, which he had long said was a threat to the core of American democracy. Trump came prepared for the meeting with detailed questions for Biden, the White House press secretary said. The two met for about two hours.
Trump has named more than a dozen people to top jobs in his second-term administration, including Matt Gaetz as attorney general, Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence and Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. You can see all his nominees here, and follow our live updates as Trump fills out his cabinet.
The president-elect also visited a gathering of House Republicans today near the Capitol. He received a standing ovation and joked about trying to circumvent the Constitution and run for a third term.
Later in the day, Senate Republicans selected John Thune, an establishment senator despised by some of Trump’s supporters, to be the next majority leader. He will likely be crucial in Trump’s effort to confirm his nominees for cabinet posts.
In other politics news:
Melania Trump declined to meet with Jill Biden, as current and future first ladies traditionally do.
Republicans are just two seats away from clinching a majority in the House.
Elon Musk’s imprint is everywhere on the Trump transition.
Trump’s nominees so far signal staunch pro-Israel policies.
Trump said he would use the Education department to further his priorities. He also said he would close it. Both options could face difficulties.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. scorned Trump’s fast-food habit as “poison.”