'Welcome back!' Biden's friendly quip to Trump

JOE Biden welcomed Donald Trump back to the White House yesterday, telling his great rival he is looking forward to a "smooth transition".

- Christopher Bucktin

The outgoing US leader told the President-elect that he would "make sure" his administration worked to prevent a repeat of 2020.

After Trump lost to Biden four years ago, he famously refused to admit his defeat while blocking his team from working with the incoming administration.

Yesterday, the two sat next to each other in front of a blazing fire in the Oval Office.

Biden said: "Well, Mr President-elect, former President, Donald. Congratulations."

He then said, "Welcome back" to Trump, and the two leaders shook hands.

Trump responded: "Politics is tough, and it is, in many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much."

He added about the transition: "It will be as smooth as it can get, and I very much appreciate that, Joe."