“I recall both interactions that then first lady Hillary Clinton had with Barbara Bush in 1992 when she first arrived at the White House, and in 2000 when she hosted Laura Bush,” a former senior official in the Clinton administration told CNN. Melania Trump, who has not been seen in public in more than two weeks, has not reached out to Jill Biden, dashing expectations she would continue the passing along of hospitality to her successor, hosting her for a tour.Įven after contentious election cycles, first ladies and presidents have set aside hard feelings and ego, no matter how bruised, until now. Trump, according to several sources, is mulling whether to write a letter to Biden to leave for him in the Oval Office, a standard-bearing tradition. The Inauguration Day snub of the Bidens comes on the heels of a series of broken norms that comes directly from Trump, who has been vocal about his disinterest in any taking part in any traditions with the man who will succeed him. On Monday, moving trucks were spotted in the driveways of Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, with movers loading dollies of boxes and items and rolling them into the private club, which will serve as the Trumps’ post-White House home, which is the plan for now, said another source with knowledge of the planned living arrangements and security arrangements set in place. “Donald Trump slept in his own bedroom, which was previously a study or den during other administrations,” the source said of the arrangement. Deeper cleaning protocols were arranged via the White House with outside contractors, on top of regular cleaning done by staff, including specialized attention to rugs, carpets, curtains and surfaces, to tackle any possibility of lingering germs, of the COVID-19 sort or otherwise. It is during these hours the bulk of the Bidens’ personal effects will be moved into the White House and unpacked, according to another source with knowledge of executive residence practices.īy that time, all Trump paraphernalia will be gone, and a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning of the entire White House campus will have been completed. The afternoon of Inauguration Day, then-President Biden will participate in a ceremonial wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, joined by former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Harleth, a 2017 Trump hire from the Trump International Hotel in Washington, will likely not stay on in the Biden administration, the source said, noting the role of chief usher in all probability will be filled by someone more familiar with the incoming president and first lady. Instead of a president and first lady, the Bidens will be greeted by the White House chief usher Timothy Harleth, according to a source familiar with the day’s events and planning. The dissolving of one of America’s most enduring transfer-of-power rituals - the outgoing president welcoming the incoming president on the steps of the North Portico, and then riding with them to the United States Capitol - is just one of the snubs the Trumps are perpetrating as they leave Washington. 20, Donald Trump and Melania Trump will depart the White House as President and first lady, but they will not invite their incoming counterparts, Joe and Jill Biden, inside before they do. All Rights Reserved.On the morning of Jan. "It's not uncommon you might have a transition of staff when a new administration comes in," said Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. She was dismissed with little public explanation. Reid was the first woman to serve the role. Overseeing butlers, florists and maids to cooks and doormen, the chief usher essentially serves as the White House's general manager. Just nine chief ushers altogether served in the 20th century.Īccording to the White House Historical Organization, the title of "chief usher" became official in 1897, but the role dates back even earlier, to Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. The first lady said Harleth would "bring more than a decade of hospitality and leadership experience to the White House" and would begin work on July 3.Īs noted by the Washington Post in a story about Reid's firing in May, the position typically turns over infrequently. I am excited to work alongside the accomplished and professional staff who are already in place." "I look forward to applying my experience with hospitality, leadership, and political protocol in order to ensure the First Family's needs are met, while also protecting and preserving the rich history of the White House. "I am so honored at the opportunity to serve the First Family in their new home," Harleth said. Melania Trump's approach as first lady 04:12
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