Trump Assures Biden of a ‘Smooth’ Power Transfer as Senate Republicans Select Leader

Donald Trump tells President Biden the transfer of power will be “so smooth,” while Senate Republicans choose their new leader, marking significant shifts in U.S. politics. 

Donald Trump has departed from the White House following a meeting with Joe Biden to address the presidential transition. During their handshake, Biden greeted the president-elect with a “welcome back.”

At the outset of the customary Oval Office meeting, both individuals expressed their desire for a “smooth” transition after a “challenging” political campaign.

In a separate development across Washington at the Capitol, Senate Republicans have selected John Thune as their new majority leader, succeeding the retiring Mitch McConnell.

In addition, Trump has appointed Elon Musk and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy to co-lead a newly established “Department of Government Efficiency.”

READ ALSO: Trump Addresses House Republicans Ahead of Biden Meeting

Furthermore, he has nominated Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, for the position of defense secretary, alongside John Ratcliffe as the head of the CIA. The framework of Trump’s second presidency is beginning to take form, as noted by Anthony Zurcher.

Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate Republican leader, remarked, “John Thune’s election is a clear endorsement of a consummate leader.”

“The American electorate has chosen Republicans to restore stability and order following four years of failures by Washington Democrats. John Thune will assume leadership with a significant opportunity to drive this transformation,” McConnell stated in an email.

Having served in Senate leadership for 17 years, McConnell is widely regarded as an establishment Republican, distinct from the Maga Republicans like Rick Scott, who had garnered support from many of Trump’s loyalists in the majority leader race.

His decision to step down from the role follows several contentious interactions with Trump during the president-elect’s first term.