Isn’t it nice to win? Donald Trump teases a third term in meet with House Republicans

President-elect Donald Trump returned to Washington on Wednesday with characteristic flair, meeting House Republicans and hinting humorously at a third term in office.

In a closed-door gathering near the Capitol, Trump was met with cheers and a standing ovation from jubilant lawmakers. “Isn’t it nice to win?” he asked, to a roar of applause. Trump then jested, “I suspect I won’t be running again unless you say, ‘He’s so good we’ve got to figure something else out,’” alluding to a third term despite the constitutional two-term limit.

The light-hearted comment struck a chord as the GOP prepares to reclaim control of the House.

Fresh off their electoral victories, Republicans embraced Trump as he celebrated their shared success and solidified his place as the party’s uncontested leader. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a loyal Trump ally, praised him as the “comeback king,” adding, “We owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

Joining Trump on his trip was billionaire Elon Musk, who has grown increasingly close to Trump’s circle and recently accepted a role on a government efficiency advisory panel in the incoming administration. Musk, who has been involved in policy discussions at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, is seen by insiders as a powerful figure in Trump’s orbit, second only to Susie Wiles, Trump’s incoming chief of staff.

Trump’s return to Washington marks a significant political comeback since leaving office in 2021. Back then, his role in the January Capitol incident had prompted criticism from within his own party. More than three years later, Trump returned a victor to the White House.

He met President Joe Biden, who committed to a straightforward transition of power.

“Congratulations… I look forward to having, like they said, a smooth transition,” Biden told Trump. “Welcome. Welcome back.”

Trump replied, “Thank you very much,” saying that “politics is tough. And it’s, in many cases, not a very nice world. But it is a nice world today, and I appreciate it very much.”

(With inputs from Associated Press, AFP)