President-elect Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Washington, DC on Wednesday accompanied by a full entourage of advisors and loyal members of his staff.
Billionaire Elon Musk, who adopted the name “First Friend,” was part of the group traveling with the president and has had a significant influence on the transition process.
Trump’s most loyal and longest-serving adviser, Dan Scavino, was also seen with him, along with senior adviser Jason Miller, senior adviser Stephen Miller, so-called “human printer” Natalie Harp, adviser Boris Epshteyn and deputy campaign manager Justin Caporale.
Susie Wiles, Trump’s choice for chief of staff, also traveled with the president-elect and Rep. Matt Gaetz was another member of the group.
After Trump’s arrival, his transition team announced that Scavino would serve as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff, and Stephen Miller as assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for Policy and Homeland Security.
From left, Susie Wiles, Jason Miller, Elon Musk, Stephen Miller, Boris Esphteyn, Natalie Harp and Dan Scavino leave President-elect Donald Trump’s home as he arrives.
Campaign adviser James Blair, who was not in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, was named assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for Legislative, Political and Public Affairs.
Taylor Budowich becomes assistant to the president and deputy chief of staff for Communications and Personnel.
After arriving in Washington, Trump first visited with House Republicans on Capitol Hill before going to the White House to meet with President Joe Biden.
Musk was seen attending Trump’s rally at the Capitol, but did not appear with the president-elect at the White House meeting with Biden in the Oval Office.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of X, walks on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, on November 13, 2024.
White House Chief of Staff-designate Susie Wiles and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to
Jason Miller arrives with President-elect Donald Trump’s motorcade at Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
Stephen Miller arrives with President-elect Donald Trump’s motorcade at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on November 13, 2024 in Washington, DC.
Biden greeted Trump in front of a roaring fire, congratulated him and said, “Welcome back.”
He added: “We will do everything we can to make sure he is housed and (has) what he needs.”
Trump said: “Politics is tough and in many cases it’s not a nice world, but it’s a nice world today.”
The meeting, which many feared would be awkward, appeared cordial.