President Obama and Donald Trump met at the White House on Thursday to discuss the smooth transition of power when Trump takes office in January.
Afterwards, they spoke to the press about their meeting in what was their first public appearance together, where Obama said his priority was to ensure a smooth transition of power.
“I have been very encouraged by the interest in President-elect Trump’s wanting to work with my team around many of the issues that this great country faces," he said. "And I believe it is important for all of us, regardless of party, and regardless of political preferences, to now come together, work together, to deal with the many challenges that we face.”
Trump spoke after Obama, stating, “The meeting lasted for almost an hour and a half, and it could have, as far as I’m concerned, it could have gone on for a lot longer. We really, we discussed a lot of different situations, some wonderful, and some difficulties. I very much look forward to dealing with the president in the future, including counsel.”
The president and president-elect did not take any questions from the press.
View the full post-meeting remarks from President Obama and President-elect Trump: