Ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted Trump and Melania Trump for a private tea at the White House. The meeting marked a symbolic gesture of the peaceful transfer of power, with both families traveling together to the U.S. Capitol for the inauguration ceremony.

The event was a departure from 2021, when Trump skipped Biden’s swearing-in and flew to Florida instead. This year’s gathering was seen as an effort to restore a sense of tradition and civility, despite the political tensions of the past election.

In a gesture of welcome, Biden greeted Trump with, “Welcome home!” The tea followed the custom of outgoing presidents meeting their successors before the inauguration, a tradition that was not observed in 2021.

The meeting also highlighted the strained relationship between the two families. In 2021, Melania Trump declined Jill Biden’s invitation for a tea, leading to an exchange of letters instead.

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff also attended the White House meeting, alongside Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and soon-to-be second lady Usha Vance.

Last night, Biden danced with the Village People to his favorite song, “Y.M.C.A.”

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Article by Tami Roemer

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