Trump promises to turn Washington upside down

Associated Press Washington: The fireplace was crackling in the Oval Office on Wednesday morning as President Joe Biden shook hands with Donald Trump and congratulated him on his election victory. “Welcome back,” Biden told Trump, who said the transition “would be as smooth as it can get.” It was a cordial exchange that was jarringly at odds with the strangeness of the political moment. Here was Biden, who once made it his mission to prevent his predecessor from becoming his successor, preparing to hand over power to Trump, who never conceded his defeat to Biden four years ago.

But official Washington, which still feels the aftershocks of Trump's chaotic first term, appeared resigned to the potential earthquake of his second. There were no protests on the streets and no surprises during the past-and-future president's nearly four-hour visit. It was a far different scene than when Trump visited the city after his shocking victory over Hillary Clinton eight years ago. Back then, the country was still trying to figure out the real estate mogul and former reality television star, and Trump seemed somewhat nervous in his Oval Office meeting with outgoing President Barack Obama.

Now, Trump is undeniably triumphant and confident in his return, solidifying his place in American politics by overcoming two impeachments, a criminal conviction, and two assassination attempts to win a second term in the White House. The victory lap began as soon as Trump touched down in his trademark red-white-and-dark-blue plane with his name emblazoned on the side. “It's nice to win,” Trump told House Republicans during his first meeting of the day. He also hinted that he may not want to leave when his term is over.