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Large, formal portraits of U.S. presidents and first ladies
adorn walls, hallways and rooms throughout the White House, and
customarily a former president returns for the unveiling during
his successor's tenure.
But the Obamas, who have remained popular since leaving the
political limelight, did not have their ceremony while
Republican President Donald Trump held power. Trump, before
winning election in 2016 and succeeding Obama in 2017, was a
longtime proponent of the "birther" movement that falsely
suggested Obama was not born in the United States.
A spokesperson for Obama declined to comment on the timing of
the Obamas' portrait unveilings.
White House Historical Association president Stewart McLaurin
said there was no prescribed process for presidential portraits.
"It's really up to the current president in the White House and
the former president that is portrayed in the portrait to
determine the right moment, but there is no set timeline," he
said.
Obama hosted former president George W. Bush and his wife,
Laura, for their portrait unveilings in 2012 during Obama's
first term.
Now Obama will be hosted by his former vice president, current
President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill. The Obamas and Bidens
became close during Obama's presidency, going through the ups
and downs of their political and personal lives, including the
death of Biden's son, Beau, from cancer.
"Over the course of their eight years together in office, a
close partnership between the two men grew through the highs and
lows of the job and life," Biden's press secretary, Karine
Jean-Pierre, told reporters on Tuesday.
The current president and first lady were honored to host the
unveiling of the portraits, "which will hang on the walls of the
White House forever as reminders of the power of hope and
change," she said.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. ET in the
White House East Room.
(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Bradley Perrett)
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