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

At a closed-door meeting near the Capitol, Trump was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation from enthusiastic lawmakers. “Isn’t it nice to win?” he asked amidst applause. “I suspect I won’t run again unless you say, ‘He’s so good, we’ve got to find something else,'” Trump later joked, referring to a third term despite the constitutional two-term limit.

The cheerful comment struck a chord as the GOP prepares to take back control of the House of Representatives.

Immediately after their election victory, Republicans embraced Trump, celebrating their shared success and cementing his place as the party’s undisputed leader. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, praised him as the “comeback king” and added: “We owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”

Billionaire Elon Musk also took part in Trump’s trip. He has become increasingly close to Trump’s circle and recently accepted a role 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 new chief of staff.

Trump’s return to Washington marks a significant political turnaround since he left office in 2021. At the time, his role in January’s Capitol incident drew criticism from his own party. More than three years later, Trump delivered a victory to the White House.

HE Met with President Joe Bidencommitting to a direct transition of power.

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

Trump responded, “Thank you very much,” adding, “Politics is a tough world. In most cases, the world isn’t very nice. But the world is nice today, and I appreciate that very much.”

(Associated Press, with input from AFP)