Biden to host Barack and Michelle Obama to unveil White House portraits years after Trump snub
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden will host former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama next week to unveil their official White House portraits.
The event, which takes place next Wednesday, comes several years after former President Donald Trump snubbed the Obamas by not hosting them to unveil their official portraits during his time in office.
Traditionally, first-term presidents host their predecessor as a show of camaraderie in Washington.
Past presidents have hosted their predecessors for the ceremony.
For example, Obama hosted former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush for their official portrait unveiling at the White House. When Bush was president, he hosted former President Bill Clinton and former Democratic presidential nominee and first lady Hillary Clinton for their official portraits.
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In 2018, the National Portrait Gallery unveiled portraits of the Obamas, which are part of the only complete collection of presidents outside the White House. The portrait of Barack Obama, by artist Kehinde Wiley, and Michelle Obama's portrait, by artist Amy Sherald, are the first presidential portraits created by Black artists.
In April, Barack Obama attended his first event at the White House since Biden, his former vice president, got elected president. The event was for actions to improve the 2010 Affordable Care Act.
Contributing: Mabinty Quarshie
Reach Rebecca Morin at Twitter @RebeccaMorin_
