WASHINGTON — Unlike most presidents who only transition into the White House once, President-elect Donald Trump is preparing for his second move into the iconic residence. Melania Trump has expressed that this transition feels far more manageable this time.
“I have familiarity with the location and the specific rooms we will be using. The entire process is clearer,” the future first lady remarked recently, comparing this move to their initial experience in 2017, which she described as “challenging.”
The transition of first families also creates significant demands on the White House residence staff, who have a mere five hours on Inauguration Day to vacate the outgoing family and accommodate the incoming one.
“Every detail must be meticulously organized,” Melania Trump emphasized in an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends.”
The countdown begins when the outgoing and incoming presidents share a limousine ride to the Capitol for the swearing-in ceremony. As soon as they depart, the executive residence staff jumps into action.
“Once they exit, our dedicated staff immediately works to take inventory, pack, and move all of the personal belongings of the departing first family while bringing in those of the new family,” stated Matthew Costello, a representative from the White House Historical Association, during a recent online discussion regarding the history of Inauguration Day.
After the oath-taking, inaugural speech, and traditional festivities, the new president finds everything—including family belongings, furniture, and favorite food items—ready and waiting as they step into the White House.
The schedule for the upcoming inauguration may experience changes due to Trump’s announcement of relocating the event to the Capitol Rotunda in response to inclement cold weather. Additionally, the customary extended parade down Pennsylvania Avenue will be replaced by an indoor version held at a sports arena.
As the ceremony unfolds, moving trucks, which have been on standby, will receive clearance to navigate through stringent security to reach the White House.
The residence staff operates in specialized teams; some will manage the packing of the Biden family’s possessions while another team loads everything onto designated trucks. Meanwhile, others will handle the unpacking of the Trumps’ belongings under Melania Trump’s specific directions.
A thorough cleaning of the White House takes place between first families. This includes washing windows, vacuuming or replacing carpets, introducing new mattresses, and ensuring that all bedrooms and bathrooms are stocked with fresh linens and towels.
The moving process usually initiates after the November elections, when the White House chief usher collaborates with the new president-elect’s team to start the preparations.
In November 2016, Melania Trump received a tour of the living quarters from then-first lady Michelle Obama during her visit with Trump at the Oval Office meeting with former President Barack Obama.
However, after losing in 2020, Trump broke political norms by declining to invite then-President-elect Joe Biden for a meeting, and Melania Trump mirrored this alongside not extending an invitation to Jill Biden.
This time, in contrast, Trump accepted Biden’s invitation for an Oval Office visit while Melania Trump declined a similar offer from Jill Biden.
