“Who Was in Charge of the Fireplace?”: Social Media Fixates on Roaring Blaze During Trump-Biden Meeting
Trump in the Oval Office of the White House, Biden continued the tradition inviting the newly-elected president to meet at the White House after Trump won (Image Source: Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
A video capturing President-elect Donald Trump’s meeting with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office has sparked widespread online chatter—not about the historic moment, but about the roaring fireplace in the background. The meeting, held as part of the transition of power following Trump’s 2024 election victory, showcased cordial exchanges between the two leaders, but it was the blazing fire that stole the spotlight.
In the video released on November 13, Biden, 81, welcomed Trump, 78, with a congratulatory message: “Donald, congratulations.” Trump replied, “Thank you very much, Joe.” Biden assured the president-elect of his administration’s cooperation, saying, “We’re going to do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated. Welcome. Welcome back.”
Trump expressed gratitude, calling the transition “as smooth as it can get.” While the exchange was a symbolic gesture of unity, viewers quickly fixated on the fireplace behind them, questioning the intensity of the flames. One social media user quipped, “Is Biden the old person that has to have the house 90 degrees? What’s going on with the fireplace?!” Another joked, “They got that fireplace blazing like my grandparents’ stove in the middle of summer.”
Others joined in with humorous takes. “I’m no fireplace expert, but is it supposed to be that much fire?” one user asked. Another wrote, “It’s 50° outside in DC!! Why is the fireplace blazing??” The meeting followed Trump’s historic election win, making him the second U.S. president to serve two non-consecutive terms and the first convicted felon to hold the office, according to USA Today.
Trump’s campaign secured crucial swing states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, and North Carolina, ensuring a decisive victory over Kamala Harris. During his victory speech in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump described the election as “an extraordinary moment.” He thanked his supporters and pledged to fight for their future “every single day.” The GOP also celebrated gains in the Senate and House, with Trump vowing to unite the country and move forward.
Scheduled to be inaugurated on January 20, 2025, as the 47th president, Trump’s return to the Oval Office has already sparked headlines—and unexpected social media debates over the aesthetics of presidential fireplaces.
