‘Welcome Home’: Bidens Greet The Trumps At The White House In Surreal Inauguration Day Moment
The pomp and circumstance of President-elect Donald Trump’s first day in office began with a surreal moment when the Bidens greeted him and former first lady Melania Trump as they arrived at the White House.
Before their final departure, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden stood atop the steps of the North Portico entrance, waiting on a red carpet with streaks of gold as the Trumps exited a black SUV. Fashionable as ever, Melania donned a blue full-brim hat that matched her overcoat, and she extended a gloved hand to wish the Bidens farewell. Biden notably quipped, “Welcome home” to the incoming first couple as they made their way up the stairs.
Trump’s triumphant return to the White House did not occur with his traditional red tie; instead, the 47th president sported one the color of dark red or purple, perhaps a tacit symbol of the bipartisanship he aims to project after he is sworn in at noon today.
Although the cameras were just feet away, none of what appeared to be friendly banter was overheard. The couples posed at the top of the entrance’s steps, smiling together in a gesture of presidential formality on a day that’s fraught with mixed feelings for the nation.
The two presidents and first ladies then partnered 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 greeted at the same entrance by Vice President Kamala Harris and second gentleman Doug Emhoff. In contrast to his boss, Vance had his red tie at the ready. Usha, who will become the first Indian-American second lady, stood out in a remarkable 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 filled with backbiting and recriminations inside the White House. Harris has told confidants she is “deeply saddened” by President Biden’s recent assertions that he would have won the presidential race if not pushed out, an observation he indicated was not meant to criticize the vice president’s campaign.
Biden’s team, meanwhile, has nothing but scorn left for the Democratic Party and leaders who counted themselves among Biden’s closest friends for decades. Earlier this month, Jill Biden reportedly encouraged her husband to “burn it all down” on their way out the door, a suggestion that wasn’t illuminated though could have meant a presidential pardon for Trump. Insiders say one was never seriously considered.
