The Bidens welcome the Trumps at the White House for preinaugural tea

Donald and Melania Trump arrived at the White House Monday morning for a preinaugural tea, restoring the traditions around a peaceful transfer of power. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden greeted the Trumps at the White House North Portico, exchanging greetings and posing for photos ahead of a private meeting over tea and coffee. “Welcome home,” Biden said to Trump after the president-elect stepped out of the car. Biden wrapped his hand around Trump’s upper arm to escort him inside the mansion. Trump, who overcame impeachments, criminal indictments and a pair of assassination attempts to win another term in the White House, will be sworn in Monday as the 47th U.S. president taking charge as Republicans claim unified control of Washington and set out to reshape the country’s institutions. Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, moved indoors due to intense cold, will begin at noon ET. But festivities will start earlier when the incoming president arrives for service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.