What is Joe Biden changing in Oval Office makeup?

When a new president is sworn in, there is a whole slew formalities and traditions which is repeated for each new administration. The resident is sworn in on the steps of the Capitol building, there is a symbolic gift exchange during the congress afternoon and the predecessor leaves a letter to the new president.

Another important part of the transition process is the the renovation of the Oval Office, the main chamber where presidential affairs are conducted and the symbolic center of power in the White House. While it’s rare that there’s a wholesale change, the incoming leader can personalize the office as he sees fit, and President Joe Biden’s choice outlining the administration he hopes to lead.

The Washington Post gained access to the Oval Office and shared a fascinating insight into the seat of power in the United States.

Biden’s office to represent multicultural America

In his Inauguration Day speech, Biden promised to be ‘president’for all Americans, not just those who voted for me. “. He has the task of reuniting a broken country and wanted his office to reflect all parts of America.

Ashley Williams, Deputy Director of Oval Office Operations, commented on the design: “It was important for President Biden to walk in an oval that looked like America and the landscape begins to show who he is going to be as president. ”

Notable changes regarding the Trump Oval Office are the introduction of busts of Rev. Martin Luther King jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, which now sits on either side of the fireplace. Behind the Resolute Desk busts of Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt who were also key figures in the civil rights movement.

Two new paintings have also been added with portraits of former President Thomas Jefferson and former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton now sit next to each other. The two men famously fought while in office, but Biden’s team wanted to illustrate how important it is to hear both sides in a democracy.

New carpet, but the curtains remain

While in office, Trump decided to gold curtains which was used during the Clinton administration out of storage and hung in the Oval Office. Biden decided to keep the curtains on rather than return to the rich red he would have seen when he served as vice president for the Obama administration.

However, he decided to change the iconic oval-shaped rug that fills most of the floor space in the house Room of 816 square meters. During Trump’s tenure, he wore a rather pale carpet that resembled the cream-colored benches in the center of the room. Biden replaced it with a dark blue mat which was also used during the Clinton administration.

Furniture and other indoor furniture are stored in a White House Collection when not in use, most of the decor seen in the new Oval Office will probably be used at some point.

Biden brings his own personal touch to the Oval Office

Although he only moved in last week, President Biden has already added a number of personal items to make the highest office in the country feel a little more homely. On the table in the window, behind Biden’s desk, are a number of photos of the president’s family.

On the decorated table are framed pictures of the President’s deceased son, Beau Biden, and his mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan. There are also photos of the first lady, Dr Jill Biden, and their three children, along with other family members, many of whom were present at his inauguration.

On the prominent table is also a picture of Biden, who is a regular churchgoer, during a meeting with Pope Francis. In another nod to Biden’s influences, there is also a bust of Cesar Chavez, the leading labor leader and civil rights activist. Chavez is best known for his efforts to improve working conditions for low-paid farm workers.