Barack Obama says he had 'excellent' talks with Donald Trump
Donald Trump and Barack Obama hold talks in the Oval Office for more than an hour as the transition of power begins.
Thursday 10 November 2016 22:59, UK
Barack Obama has said he had an "excellent conversation" with president-elect Donald Trump at the White House, as the handover of power begins.
Mr Obama said he was encouraged by Mr Trump's willingness to work with his team on the issues facing the country, adding it was important for all "to now come together".
The president-elect said their talks, which lasted for 90 minutes, were wide-ranging and called the meeting a "great honour".
The respectful tone of their post-meeting news conference was in contrast to the bitter exchanges that characterised the election campaign before Mr Trump ultimately defeated Hillary Clinton, who was backed by fellow Democrat Mr Obama.
The White House said later that while the two men did not resolve all their differences, the talks "might have been at least a little less awkward than some might have expected".
Mr Trump said he looked forward to more meetings with Mr Obama before his inauguration in January and that they talked about "a lot of different situations, some wonderful and some difficulties".
He said the president explained "some of the great things that have been achieved", but did not elaborate.
Mr Obama was critical of Mr Trump throughout the campaign, saying he was unfit to serve as commander-in-chief.
Mr Trump led the "birther" movement that questioned whether Mr Obama was a US citizen, and only dropped that position recently.
If the Republican makes good on his campaign promises he will wipe away much of what Mr Obama has done in office, including his signature healthcare reforms and the landmark nuclear agreement with Iran.
But the pair continued the conciliatory tone that has emerged since Mr Trump's shock victory, with the Republican saying he was looking forward to benefiting from Mr Obama's "counsel" in the future.
Mr Obama pledged his administration would "do everything we can to help you succeed, because if you succeed, then the country succeeds".
He said: "My number-one priority in the coming two months is to try to facilitate a transition that ensures our president-elect is successful."
The two men ended their historic encounter in the Oval Office, which was originally scheduled to last for no more than 15 minutes, with a handshake. They refused to take questions from journalists.
First Lady Michelle Obama also met privately in the White House residence with Mr Trump's wife Melania, while Vice President Joe Biden will meet Vice President-elect Mike Pence later on Thursday.
Spokesman Josh Earnest said Mrs Obama and Mrs Trump spoke about the challenges of raising children in the White House. Mr Trump's 10-year-old son Barron will become a teenager during his father's first term.
The transition meeting comes after a night of protests sparked by the Republican's surprise victory over Mrs Clinton in one of the most divisive elections in US history.
Demonstrators in more than 10 cities across the nation chanted "Not my president", burned a papier mache head of the president-elect, hit a pinata with his likeness and carried signs that said "Impeach Trump".
More protests are planned on Thursday evening.
As well as the talks in the Oval Office, Mr Trump met House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to discuss the Republicans' legislative agenda.
Speaking afterwards he said he would do "spectacular" things for the American people and would work quickly on issues like healthcare and immigration.
The Republicans now control both the Senate and the House of Representatives, meaning Mr Trump will find it easier to get things done once he is sworn in.
But Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren has said the party would fight him on social issues and financial regulation.
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