What does Joe Biden change in the Oval Office makeover?

When a new president is sworn in, there is a multitude of formalities and traditions which are repeated for each new administration. The newcomer is sworn in on the steps of the Capitol building, there is a symbolic exchange of gifts during the congressional lunch, and the predecessor leaves a letter for the new president.

Another important part of the transition process is the redecoration of the oval office, the main room where presidential affairs take place and the symbolic center of power in the White House. While it’s rare for there to be a global change, the new leader can customize the office however he sees fit, and President Joe Biden’s choices are emblematic of the administration he hopes to lead.

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

Biden’s office to represent multicultural America

In his inauguration day speech, Biden pledged to be president “for all Americans, not just for those who voted for me ”. He’s tasked with bringing together a fractured country and wanted his office to reflect all parts of America.

Ashley Williams, deputy director of operations for the Oval Office, said of the design: “It was important for President Biden to enter an oval that looked like America and began to show the landscape of who he was going to be as president.

Notable changes to Trump’s Oval Office are the introduction of Busts of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, which are now on either side of the fireplace. Behind the resolute desk lie 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 sitting side by side. The two argued during their tenure, but Biden’s team wanted to illustrate the importance of hearing from both sides in a democracy.

New carpet but the curtains remain

During his tenure, Trump chose to recover the golden curtains that were used during the Clinton administration from storage and had them hung in the Oval Office. Biden decided to keep the curtains on rather than revert to the rich red he would have seen as the vice president of the Obama administration.

He did, however, decide to change the iconic oval-shaped rug that takes up most of the floor space in the 816 square foot room. During Trump’s tenure, he had a fairly pale carpet the same color as the cream-colored sofas in the middle of the room. Biden replaced it with a dark blue carpet which was also used during the Clinton administration.

Furniture and other interior furnishings are kept in a White House Collection when not in use, most of the decor seen in the new Oval Office look will likely have been used before at some point.

Biden brings his 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 country’s top office feel a little more welcoming. On the window table behind Biden’s desk are a number of photographs of the president’s family.

Visible on the ornate table are framed images of the The late president’s son, Beau Biden, and her mother, Catherine Eugenia Finnegan. There are also photos of the First Lady, Dr Jill Biden and their three children, alongside other family members, many of whom were present for her inauguration.

Also on this prominent table is a photo of Biden, who is a faithful religious, during a meeting with Pope Francis. In another nod to Biden influences, there is also a bust of Cesar Chavez, the eminent union leader and civil rights activist. Chavez is best known for his efforts to improve the working conditions of low-paid farm workers.