Go Behind The Scenes As Obamas Move Out Of White House And Trumps Move In | TODAY

Summary

This video offers a rare glimpse into the logistics and chaos of moving into the White House, from one presidential family to the next. The process, often completed in just five hours, involves a complete overhaul of the residence, including repainted walls, re-arranged furniture, and personal requests like special shower heads. The emotional challenges of saying goodbye to outgoing families are explored, with memorable stories such as Hillary Clinton’s missing shoes. The process culminates with a final tradition of presenting the outgoing president with a handcarved box containing flags from their inauguration and departure days.

Takeaways

• 😀 The peaceful transfer of property happens every time a new president moves into the White House, with belongings being transferred within hours.
• 😀 The White House move-in process is incredibly fast and efficient, involving a 132-room mansion and 95 staff members working to pack everything up in 5 hours.
• 😀 The White House staff works to ensure the new president's wishes are met, including special requests for home features like rain showerheads.
• 😀 Every president redecorates the Oval Office, bringing their own style to the space when they take office.
• 😀 Moving day at the White House can involve mix-ups, as demonstrated by the disappearance of Hillary Clinton's inaugural shoes during the Clinton administration.
• 😀 The White House staff develops strong personal relationships with the families they serve, often staying in touch for years and attending each other's life events.
• 😀 President Obama had a head start on preparing his new home, with crews working ahead of time to get the residence ready.
• 😀 One of the final steps before the new president enters the White House is ensuring their personal items, such as toothbrushes, are placed as if they're already home.
• 😀 The last official event before the president moves out is a gathering in the state dining room where they are presented with a special gift.
• 😀 The outgoing president receives a hand-carved box containing two flags: one that flew above the White House on inauguration day and one from their final morning in office.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The video script primarily focuses on the process of transitioning between different U.S. presidential families at the White House, including the logistics of moving out the outgoing family and moving in the new family within a very short time frame.

How long does it take to move out the previous presidential family and move in the new one?

The entire process of moving out and moving in takes just 5 hours, with the furniture and belongings of the outgoing family being packed up and the new family's items being brought in.

Who was the first African-American White House Chief Usher?

Rear Admiral Steven Rashan was the first African-American White House Chief Usher, responsible for overseeing the transition between President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.

What special request did President Obama make for his new White House home?

President Obama requested a rain shower head for the bathroom, which needed to be installed before his family moved in.

What happens to the Oval Office during a presidential transition?

The Oval Office undergoes redecorating as each new president brings in their own unique look, ensuring that the office reflects their personal style and preferences.

Can mistakes happen during the moving process at the White House?

Yes, mistakes can happen. For example, during the Clinton family's move-in, Hillary Clinton's inaugural shoes were misplaced and later found in Chelsea's room.

How do the staff and families maintain relationships after the transition?

The staff and families who serve in the White House often remain in contact after the transition. They attend each other's weddings and funerals, and continue to have lunch and dinner together.

What special gift is presented to the outgoing president on the last day in office?

On the last day of office, the outgoing president is presented with a hand-carved box containing two flags: one that flew above the White House on Inauguration Day and the other that flew on their final morning in office.

What role does the White House staff play during the transition process?

The White House staff plays a crucial role by organizing and overseeing the entire transition, ensuring that the new family is settled in and that everything is ready for their arrival.

What is the final touch before the new president and family arrive at the White House?

The final touch is ensuring that the new president's toothbrushes are placed on the bathroom counters, making it feel like home as they step into their new residence.