Restore President Obama's Portrait to Its Rightful Place in the White House

For decades, the White House has displayed the official portraits of recent presidents in the Grand Foyer, visible to all visitors. This tradition honors the office, fosters national unity, and educates the public about our leaders. The recent decision to move President Barack Obama’s portrait out of public view, in violation of protocol, is a disrespectful act that undermines these values.

Former White House photographer Pete Souza has called attention to this break with tradition, noting that previous presidents’ portraits—including those of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton—were always displayed prominently during their successors’ terms. By hiding President Obama’s portrait, the administration sends a divisive message and erases an important part of our shared history.

We call on the White House to immediately restore President Obama’s portrait to the Grand Foyer, alongside those of other recent presidents, and to uphold the longstanding tradition of honoring all who have served in the nation’s highest office.