correction
A previous version of this article incorrectly said Lyndon B. Johnson gave remarks at his portrait unveiling. He did not. The quip was made by former president Gerald R. Ford at the unveiling of Ford’s portrait. The article has been corrected.
Barack and Michelle Obama will return to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of their official White House portraits, in an East Room ceremony hosted by President Biden and first lady Jill Biden.
Joe Biden was Barack Obama’s vice president for two terms in office, and the two men formed a close partnership “through the highs and lows of the job and of life,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Tuesday.
“President Biden and Dr. Biden are honored to have former president Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama back to the White House for the unveiling of their portraits, which will hang on the walls of the White House forever as reminders of the power of hope and change,” she said.
The event will also mark the return of the long-standing tradition of sitting presidents welcoming their predecessors — regardless of party — to the White House to unveil their official portraits. In his time in office, Donald Trump hosted no events at the White House for Obama, whom he accused — without evidence — of spying on him during the 2016 campaign.
Here’s what to know about this White House tradition and what to expect at the ceremony Wednesday.
