Joe Biden surprises Internet as he greets Trump with a warm 'welcome home' on his arrival at White House

Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump visited the White House for a private tea with outgoing President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden
UPDATED JAN 20, 2025
Joe Biden, accompanied by his wife Jill, greeted Donald Trump and his wife Melania with a surprising greeting ahead of the inauguration ceremony (Getty Images)
Joe Biden, accompanied by his wife Jill, greeted Donald Trump and his wife Melania with a surprising greeting ahead of the inauguration ceremony (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON DC: Donald Trump, 78, was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States after an extraordinary political comeback on Monday, January 20.

Before taking the oath, Trump and his family attended a service at St John’s Church, marking the start of the inauguration day’s events.

Following the service, Trump and his wife Melania Trump, 54, visited the White House for a private tea with outgoing President Joe Biden, 82, and First Lady Jill Biden, 73. 

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: (L-R) First lady Jill Biden and U.S. President Joe Biden welcome U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Melania Trump to the White House ahead of inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
(L-R) Former first lady Jill Biden and former president Joe Biden welcome President Donald Trump and Melania Trump to the White House ahead of inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC. Donald Trump took office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The meeting included smiles and positivity, however, it was the greeting between the two leaders that captured the internet's attention.

Joe Biden tells Donald Trump 'welcome home'

As Donald Trump and Melania approached the White House hand-in-hand, President Joe Biden greeted him with a warm, “Welcome home,” according to multiple reports.

The two couples briefly posed for photos in the windy weather. Unlike eight years ago, when Melania brought a Tiffany-blue gift for Michelle Obama, she arrived empty-handed to greet Jill Biden, reported People.

Internet users were quick to react to Biden’s remark. “Did Biden say ‘Welcome Home?’” one X user questioned, sharing a clip of the moment.



 

Another user confirmed by writing, “Biden most certainly did say ‘Welcome Home.’”

One commenter joked about the moment and remarked, “What crazy awkward situations traditions can create." Another added, "Yes, he did. He ACTUALLY thinks he’s been living at Trump’s house lol.”

Another remarked, “It’s almost as if he knew that he belonged there all along.”



 



 



 



 

Donald Trump’s journey to Capitol marked by tradition and ceremony

After the tea at the White House, Donald Trump and Joe Biden shared a limo to the Capitol building, accompanied by a motorcade of police and Secret Service vehicles.

Trump’s inauguration ceremony was moved inside the Capitol Rotunda due to freezing temperatures and icy conditions in Washington, DC.


WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Melania Trump and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump leave after services at St. John's Church as part of Inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025 in Washington, DC. Donald Trump takes office for his second term as the 47th president of the United States. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Melania Trump and Donald Trump leave after services at St John's Church as part of the inauguration ceremonies on January 20, 2025, in Washington, DC (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Ahead of Trump’s arrival, Biden spoke briefly with reporters, sharing his positive outlook for the day. “It’s a beautiful day,” Biden said, adding that his message for the moment was “joy.”

Internet reacts to Joe Biden’s warm greeting with skepticism and humor

The interaction between the two presidents continued to be a topic of discussion online.

“He did. I heard it,” one social media user confirmed regarding Biden’s greeting. Another added, “My heart is so full it may burst! He did say ‘Welcome Home.’”



 



 

Some people online reacted with disbelief or amusement to Biden’s unexpected comment. “Highly unlikely,” one person wrote, doubting the claim.

Others took a lighthearted approach. “That was probably the only reasonable thing Biden has said 🤣,” a commenter quipped.

Another user expressed unease about the entire situation, writing, “I don’t trust anything or anyone right now. Nervous.”



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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