Inauguration live updates: Donald and Melania Trump to meet with Joe and Jill Biden

The momentous event of Donald and Melania Trump meeting Joe and Jill Biden marks a key moment in American history. The tradition of presidential transitions in the United States, though often ceremonial, carries deep political significance, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to the next.

On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden, having won the 2020 election, was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States. Donald Trump, the incumbent president at the time, did not attend the inauguration, breaking with decades of tradition where outgoing presidents typically attend the inauguration of their successors to show respect for the democratic process.

However, in the days leading up to the inauguration, Trump and Biden did make plans to meet in private, signaling a willingness for peaceful transition despite the contentiousness of the election. Biden had emphasized the importance of unity in his inaugural address, acknowledging the political divisions in the country, and calling for healing and collaboration.

While it wasn't immediately clear whether Trump and Biden would meet personally before the inauguration, the expectation was that they would at least exchange formal greetings, with both political figures focusing on restoring dignity to the office and maintaining continuity of government.

As for the first ladies, Melania Trump and Jill Biden, their meeting was equally significant. Melania, who had held the role of first lady for four years, would be passing the baton to Jill Biden, an educator and advocate who was stepping into the position. Their meeting was expected to reflect the tradition of cooperation and mutual respect between incoming and outgoing first families.

The inauguration itself proceeded as a highly orchestrated and socially distanced event, with additional security measures in place due to the ongoing pandemic and the January 6th Capitol riots. It showcased the resilience of American democracy, despite the turbulent events of the preceding months.

In conclusion, the meeting between Donald and Melania Trump and Joe and Jill Biden during the inauguration, though brief, symbolized the continued peaceful transition of power in the U.S., as well as the political and personal aspects of the presidency that unfold in the hours following the swearing-in of a new leader.