The white Queen Anne-style mansion that has housed America’s vice presidents since the 1970s has long stood as a symbol of peaceful transitions in American democracy.
That tradition, dating back decades, has served as a reminder that some institutions should transcend political divisions. Even in times of fierce partisan disagreement, the Naval Observatory residence has remained a place where American political civility endured.
Such traditions will be skipped this change of leadership but hopefully will not be changed.
What’s Her Name has declined to extend an invitation to Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and his family for a formal tour or sit-down at the Naval Observatory residence.
Multiple Democratic and Republican sources have confirmed this. The decision marks a striking departure from historical precedent and raises questions more about the losing candidate than an “erosion of long-held Washington customs.”
So much for putting children first.
The situation became particularly revealing when Usha Vance, concerned about preparing the residence for the couple’s three young children—all under the age of eight—reached out through intermediaries seeking basic information about childproofing the historic home. Her inquiry was initially rebuffed by a Harris political appointee.
Only after Navy officials stepped in did the Vance family receive any information about the residence they will occupy starting January 20, 2025. These officials provided an overview of the house’s layout and basic logistical details. The Navy handled what traditionally would have been a courtesy extended by the current occupant.
The outgoing occupant’s team has attempted to justify the decision by pointing to her own transition experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the Capitol riot. However, sources close to then-Vice President Pence dispute this narrative, indicating there was an opportunity offered to visit the residence in the final days of the Trump administration.
The only direct communication between the current and incoming families has been a brief 40-minute phone call between Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and Usha Vance last week. This was a minimal courtesy that underscores the broader breakdown in traditional protocol.
Perhaps most telling is the impact on the Vance children, who will be the youngest residents of the Naval Observatory in recent memory. Basic questions about childproofing and family accommodations—matters that typically transcend political differences—were met with institutional resistance rather than traditional cooperation.
The loser’s team cites her own challenging transition as precedent.
However, critics argue this reasoning only perpetuates a cycle of declining institutional courtesy.
The situation highlights a troubling pattern in modern political transitions, “where traditional courtesies increasingly fall victim to partisan tensions.”
One can’t help but wonder: If the situations were reversed, would the media reaction be different?
As January 20 approaches, the Naval Observatory residence stands ready for its newest occupants, even if its current residents have chosen to break with tradition.
What is clear is that the white Queen Anne-style mansion, which has witnessed so many peaceful transitions, will one day be returned to the standard of what has been a long tradition of courteous turnover of inhabitants.
