USA Trump and Biden meet in the White House for a handshake

A symbolic handshake took place in the White House between outgoing President Joe Biden and his successor Donald Trump, who promised a smooth handover of power.

Outgoing President Joe Biden welcomed his successor Donald Trump to the White House with a handshake and promised an orderly handover of power. Trump, the Republican, thanked him and emphasized the importance of a smooth transition. "Politics is tough and often not a pretty world, but today it's a beautiful world," Trump commented.

Trump and Democrat Biden sat together in the Oval Office, the president's study. The press were not given the opportunity to ask questions as they had to leave the office for a private conversation between the two politicians. Prior to this, Trump had held talks with leading Republicans in the US Congress.

Following his election victory last week, 78-year-old Republican Trump is set to begin his second term in office with the swearing-in ceremony on January 20.

SDA