Barack Obama hosts Donald Trump at White House

Donald Trump and Barack Obama (Getty)
Donald Trump and Barack Obama (Getty)

President Barack Obama and his successor Donald Trump have met for the first time, spending nearly an hour-and-a-half behind closed doors together.

Mr Trump's motorcade entered the White House via the South Lawn on Thursday, away from television cameras.

The first glimpse of the pair together came in the White House after the lengthy meeting, which Mr Trump said was originally scheduled to last "10 or 15 minutes".

"As far as I'm concerned, it could have gone on for a lot longer. We discussed a lot of different situations - some wonderful, and some difficult," the successful Republican nominee said. "I very much look forward to dealing with the President in the future."

Mr Obama said they talked about foreign and domestic policy and the organisation difficulties in facilitating a successful transition between the two administrations.

"My number one priority in the coming two months is to try to facilitate a transition that ensures the President-elect is successful," he told reporters, who filled the room.

"I have been very encouraged by the interest in President-elect Trump's wanting to work with my team around many of the issues this great country faces.

"I believe that it is important for all of us regardless of party and regardless of political preferences to now come together, work together to deal with the many challenges that we face.

"In the meantime, Michelle has had a chance to brief the incoming First Lady, and we had an excellent conversation with her as well."

Barack Obama hosts Donald Trump at White House

Donald Trump and Obama shake hands (Reuters)

Mr Trump called his first meeting with Mr Obama a "great honour", and said he looked forward to "many, many" more meetings before he takes the reins on January 20.

Mr Obama said it was important to him to ensure Mr Trump has a successful presidency.

"Most of all I want to emphasise to you, President-elect, that we now are going to want to do everything we can to help you succeed, because if you succeed, the country succeeds."

Meanwhile, a no-fly zone has been established above Manhattan, with the Federal Aviation Administration citing "VIP movement" as the reason.

The zone extends 914m into the air, and 3.2km in every direction from Trump Tower, where Mr Trump normally lives. It will stay in place until Mr Trump's inauguration in January.

The only exceptions are for the Secret Service, law enforcement and emergency services.

Traffic around the tower will be heavily restricted while Mr Trump is President, a logistical nightmare for police in the busy city.

"Trump Tower is not like a house in the suburbs or the country," a police source told the New York Daily News.

"It's a tourist location, with businesses and apartments inside, people coming in and out at all hours."

A no-fly zone has also been established around incoming Vice President Mike Pence's home in Indiana.

Reuters / Newshub.