In a remarkable display of political cordiality, newly revealed accounts from inauguration day 2025 detail surprisingly warm exchanges between outgoing President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump, starkly contrasting their public political battles.
Unexpected Compliments and Family Diplomacy
The revelations emerged this week after Eric Trump disclosed to Megyn Kelly that his younger half-brother, Barron Trump, had approached Joe Biden after his father's inaugural address. According to Eric, Barron whispered 'congratulations' and 'best of luck to you' to the departing president, countering social media speculation that the interaction had been negative.
This familial diplomacy was mirrored by the elder Trump himself, as documented in ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl's recently released book, Retribution. The account begins with the Bidens greeting the Trumps on the White House's North Portico on the morning of the inauguration. Trump reportedly told the couple, 'You're a really beautiful couple,' adding, 'You're always so close. It's really nice to see you.'
Private Moments and Political Reflections
The congenial atmosphere continued during the traditional ride in the presidential limousine, 'the Beast,' to the U.S. Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony. Karl's sources described how an aide placed Trump's phone in the back of the vehicle, a move that appeared to make Biden uneasy. To break the tension, Trump reportedly grabbed his phone and told Biden, 'Let's see what people are saying about you!' before theatrically scrolling and declaring, 'Oh look, they are all talking about what a great job you've done!'
During this private journey, the two leaders kept their conversation light, discussing the frigid weather that forced the ceremony indoors and the ongoing NFL playoffs. However, Trump offered a more profound reflection to Biden, coming as close to an apology as he would get. 'Politics brings out the worst in people,' Trump stated, before adding, 'We'd be great friends if it weren't for politics. We'd be great friends, Joe.'
Contrasting Public Persona and Final Farewell
This private warmth stood in stark contrast to Trump's public actions. Earlier that same morning, he had expressed disgust via text to NBC's Kristen Welker over Biden's last-minute pardons, including that of Dr. Anthony Fauci, calling it 'disgraceful' without providing evidence. Furthermore, during his inaugural address in the Capitol Rotunda, with Democratic presidents Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton seated nearby, Trump returned to his campaign trail rhetoric. He raged against a 'radical and corrupt establishment' and declared that 'America's decline is over.'
The day concluded with another personal moment. After escorting the Bidens to their departure helicopter, cameras captured Trump leaning in to whisper to his predecessor. Karl, who viewed video of the exchange, reported that Trump told Biden, 'Stay in touch. Let me know if there is anything you need.' This final gesture underscored the complex duality of a day filled with both political theatre and unexpected personal kindness.
