Trump thanks Biden for 'smooth transition' during White House meeting

President-elect Donald Trump returned to the White House for the first time since being elected 47th President of the United States and since leaving his first term in 2021, thanking President Biden for the "smooth transition." 

Biden, just after the election was called for Trump, invited his predecessor and now successor to the White House for a sit-down meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday to begin the transition process. 

BIDEN-TRUMP WHITE HOUSE MEETING REVIVES PRESIDENTIAL TRADITION SKIPPED 4 YEARS AGO

President Biden, right, and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"Donald, congratulations," Biden said Wednesday upon Trump’s arrival. "Looking forward to having, like we said, a smooth transition… We can make sure you’re accommodated with what you need, and we’re going to get a chance to talk on that today." 

President-elect Donald Trump arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center on Nov. 6, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Trump replied, "Good." 

"Welcome," Biden said. "Welcome back." 

Trump thanked the president "very much." 

PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP TO MEET BIDEN IN OVAL OFFICE WEDNESDAY

"And politics is tough, and it’s, in many cases, not a very nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much," Trump said. "And a transition that is so smooth — it’ll be as smooth as it can get." 

Trump added, "And I very much appreciate that, Joe." 

President Biden arrives to speak during an address to the nation in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Tierney L. Cross/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Biden administration said it will work with the Trump transition team to ensure a smooth transition of power before Trump is sworn in as the 47th president on Jan. 20, 2025.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.