When Donald and Melania Trump reenter the White House on Inauguration Day next year, the residence will look strikingly similar to how they left it four years ago—even down to the infamous Diet Coke button in the Oval Office.
A Seamless Transition for the Staff
The White House residence staff, nearly 100 non-political employees, will orchestrate the transition. Their job is to move out the Bidens and prepare for the Trumps in just five hours—a process honed over decades and planned months in advance.
By the time the Trumps walk into 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, their personal touches will already be in place: clothes in closets, favorite shampoos in bathrooms, and preferred foods stocked in the kitchen. Family photos and familiar furniture arrangements will await them, ensuring the house feels like home.
Kate Andersen Brower, author of The Residence, noted that this transition will be smoother than most: “They’ve lived there before. The staff knows their routines, preferences, and even their favorite breakfasts.”
Packing Up the Bidens
Meanwhile, staff are packing up President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Personal items will be boxed, official documents sent to the National Archives, and curators will ensure all White House property remains cataloged. The Bidens’ cat Willow will also be relocated, likely by the animal-loving chief groundskeeper, Dale Haney.
Melania’s White House Legacy
Melania Trump left her mark on the residence during their first term, working with designer Tham Kannalikham to restore rooms like the Yellow Oval Room, the Queen’s Bedroom, and the Center Hall. She also added a Tennis Pavilion and controversially redesigned the Rose Garden. Photographs of her arrangements will guide the staff in recreating her aesthetic.
Her attention to detail extended to documenting her restoration work. A statement from her office during Biden’s term noted, “Preserving the history of the People’s House for future generations was something Mrs. Trump was very passionate about.”
The Iconic Oval Office and Diet Coke Button
The Oval Office will likely see Trump’s signature touch again. During his first term, he installed a now-famous Diet Coke button on the Resolute Desk, which staff quickly answered with a silver tray carrying his favorite drink. Trump joked that people thought the button activated nuclear weapons, adding, “Everyone gets nervous when I press it.”
Trump’s Oval Office decor included family photos, his challenge coin collection, and a model of his redesigned Air Force One. He favored a soft beige rug, contrasting with Biden’s choice of dark blue.
The Role of the Chief Usher
One significant decision will be appointing a chief usher—the head of household staff and operations. This position oversees the residence and answers directly to the president and first lady. While the Bidens appointed Robert Downing, Trump will likely select someone new, as they did during their first term.
The position became contentious during Biden’s inauguration when the previous chief usher, Timothy Harleth, hired by Melania Trump, was dismissed. The Bidens arrived to an awkward moment on the front porch, with no one to greet them.
A Familiar Welcome Awaits
As the Trumps prepare to return, their familiarity with the White House promises an easier transition. The residence staff, known for their loyalty and professionalism, are ready to welcome them back. From personal touches in their living quarters to their favorite Diet Coke button in the Oval Office, the Trumps’ second tenure is poised to pick up right where they left off.
