White House claims US ‘now in a different place’ when asked why they’re not calling Trump an ‘existential threat’ anymore

When she was pressed by media on Biden no longer using the phrases since Trump was elected, Jean-Pierre replied that Biden is "now in a situation where we have to deal with a peaceful transfer of power" and needs to "respect the will of the American people."

She later added, "The President is always going to be honest with the American people. He feels like he is obligated. What he said still stands, but we are now in a different place. The American people spoke. They deserve a peaceful transfer of power. That's what this President wants to do.”

Consistently throughout the campaign, Biden as well as Kamala Harris and others referred to Trump as being a "threat to democracy" as well as an "existential threat" to the country. However, the image of the friendly meeting between Biden and Trump draws a stark contrast between Biden's earlier rhetoric and his actions as of late, leading some to believe that the labels coming from the White House were not as honest but instead campaign talking points.

The White House secretary later added that Biden "wants to lead by example and talk and show the American people what it looks like to have an efficient, effective, transfer of power."

Some have speculated that Biden has become more open to Trump after Harris was able to replace the sitting president on the ballot which led to Trump’s win. Additionally, infighting erupted between the Harris campaign as well as Biden’s White House staff after the election results.