US President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden at the White House, November 13, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)

"They discussed important national security and domestic policy issues facing the nation and the world," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, adding "It was indeed very cordial, very gracious, and substantive."

Biden argued support for Ukraine was good for US national security because a strong and stable Europe would keep America from being dragged into war, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told journalists. Trump has pledged to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict  quickly without saying how. 

Both men talked about a smooth transition of power. 

"Looking forward to having a, like we said, smooth transition - do everything we can to make sure you're accommodated, what you need," Biden told the president-elect.