The pomp and circumstance of President-elect Donald Trump’s first day in office featured a surreal moment as the Bidens greeted him and former First Lady Melania Trump upon their arrival at the White House.
Before departing for the last time, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stood on the steps of the North Portico, waiting on a red carpet with streaks of gold as the Trumps exited a black SUV. Melania, fashionable as ever, wore a blue full-brimmed hat that matched her overcoat and extended a gloved hand to bid the Bidens farewell. Notably, Biden quipped, “Welcome home” to the incoming first couple as they ascended the stairs. Check out the video below.
Trump’s triumphant return to the White House did not feature his customary red tie. Instead, the 47th president opted for one in dark red or purple, perhaps as a subtle symbol of the bipartisanship he hopes to project at his noon swearing-in ceremony on Monday.
Although cameras were just feet away, none of what seemed like friendly banter was captured. The couples posed together at the top of the entrance steps, smiling in a display of presidential formality on a day filled with mixed emotions for the nation. Afterward, the two presidents and first ladies paired up as they were escorted into the White House.
Shortly before Trump’s arrival, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and incoming Second Lady Usha Vance were welcomed at the same entrance by Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. Unlike his predecessor, Vance sported his red tie, while Usha, poised to become the first Indian-American Second Lady, stood out in a striking British-style pink peacoat. Harris and Vance lined up with their spouses behind them before walking inside. The couples were quickly followed by a phalanx of aides and members of the Secret Service.
Despite the smiles and handshakes, the days leading up to President-elect Trump’s second inauguration have been marked by internal backbiting and recriminations within the White House. Vice President Kamala Harris confided that she was “deeply saddened” by President Biden’s recent comments suggesting he would have won the presidential race if not for being pushed out—a remark Biden implied was not intended as a critique of her campaign.
Meanwhile, Biden’s team harbors deep scorn for the Democratic Party and longtime allies who once counted themselves among his closest friends. Earlier this month, Jill Biden reportedly encouraged her husband to “burn it all down” as they prepared to leave office—a remark that, while not fully explained, might have implied a presidential pardon for Trump. However, insiders say that such a pardon was never seriously considered.
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