WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is set to meet with President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday in the Oval Office, marking a notable moment following years of hostility between the two, especially when Trump previously refused to acknowledge Biden’s presidency.

Biden reached out to Trump with congratulations and a White House invite, four years following a tumultuous transition where Trump did not concede defeat and falsely claimed that the 2020 election was rigged. During Biden’s inauguration, Trump broke from traditional customs by not attending the event, just weeks after he instigated a violent assault on the U.S. Capitol to overturn the election outcome.

This upcoming meeting is significant, considering Biden has consistently denounced Trump as a danger to American democracy, perceiving their political conflicts as a struggle for the nation’s integrity.

The meeting is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., according to a statement from Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.

Trump secured victory in the presidential election with at least 301 electoral votes.

This gesture from Biden signifies a move towards reinstating the customary practices typically observed during presidential transitions. In addition to the invitation, Biden has committed to attending Trump’s inauguration in January. The White House stated, “President Biden expressed his dedication to facilitating a smooth transition and stressed the need for uniting the nation,” regarding the congratulatory phone call.

Biden also reached out to Vice President Kamala Harris last Wednesday to commend her on conducting a groundbreaking campaign. Harris acknowledged the election results in favor of Trump and promised to support a peaceful handover of power to the Republicans.

Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, mentioned that “President Trump is looking forward to the upcoming meeting and appreciated the call,” in a statement.