Both Trump and Biden have thrown sharp verbal barbs at each other over the years. But it was soft voices and smiles in the Oval Office.
The first White House meeting between President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump after the latter’s comprehensive victory in the 2024 election had the potential to be an awkward affair. But it was soft voices and smiles in front of a warm fire instead.
Trump joined Biden in the Oval Office Wednesday morning, Nov. 13, for a public meet-and-greet between the outgoing and incoming presidents—a traditional feature of the transition between administrations.
As the two men sat together in front of a blazing fire, Biden congratulated Trump and welcomed him back to the White House, saying he would make sure the incoming president is “accommodated with everything you need” for a “smooth transition.”
Trump thanked Biden, adding that “politics is tough and in many cases it’s not a nice world, but it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.”
He continued: “A transition that is so smooth it’ll be as smooth as you can get, and I very much appreciate that, Joe.”
“You’re welcome”, replied Biden, as the media was ushered out of the room so the full meeting could begin in private.
Both Trump and Biden have before today thrown sharp verbal barbs at each other over the years, including accusations of criminality, personality flaws, debasing public office, mental impairment, incompetence, and everything in between.
And they are both known for offhand remarks, gaffes, and tangential rambling when speaking at length. So when the two came face-to-face again in front of cameras, all eyes were watching closely.
Newsweek asked some of America’s top body language experts to tell us the silent signals they noticed from Trump and Biden during their White House meeting. Here’s what they saw.Dr. Abbie Maroño, Behavioral Scientist; Director of Education, Social-Engineer, LLC
Both Trump and Biden showed body language indicating mutual respect and confidence. This helped emphasize the commitment to a smooth transition of power.
Both leaders engaged in a firm handshake, a sign of cooperation and respect. Neither individual appeared to dominate the other.
Both demonstrated confidence throughout, with an upright posture, bold but not overpowering gestures, with active listening cues and smiles from both parties further demonstrating their willingness to cooperate.Susan Constantine, Body Language Expert, The Human Behavior Lab
President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump showcased contrasting nonverbal cues during their recent White House meeting.
Trump appeared composed, adopting a relaxed readiness stance with a low steeple hand position. His body language exuded confidence, and his facial expression remained calm and controlled.
Biden, by contrast, displayed a more rigid posed posture with a forced smile—his lips stretched horizontally and brows pinched, signaling discomfort.
The handshake further highlighted their differences. Biden hesitated, his gaze directed downward with minimal eye contact, while Trump confidently initiated the gesture. The timing, and flow, were a bit out of sync.
Biden placed his hand on top in a dominant position, but Trump subtly countered by extending his index finger beneath, signaling a balance of power.
