The White House has been the official residence of the President of the United States since 1800, and is welcoming its newest occupant, Joe Biden.

Biden will be inaugurated today, January 20, in a scaled-back ceremony attended by people including former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush – but not the outgoing president, Donald Trump.

Designed by Irish-born architect James Hoban, the Georgian mansion was officially named The White House by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901, although the name had been used before then in both the press and by the public. 

The only president not to live in the White House was George Washington – even though he selected the site for the now iconic building. The first President of the United States died in 1799, before The White House was completed and opened the following year.

While it’s a tradition that goes back centuries, does the US president actually have to live in the White House?

Does the US president have to live in the White House?

While United States law bestows the privilege of living in The White House to the elected President of the US, the law doesn’t stretch as far as legally requiring the President to live at the official residence.

In theory, the President could choose to live elsewhere, but as every president since John Adams has occupied the White House and made the iconic building home along with their families, it would certainly make a statement and cause a stir if an elected president chose not to live there.

Plus it would cause a myriad of security concerns, depending on where the alternative abode was located.

After Biden’s victory in the 2020 US election, there were fears that Trump would refuse to leave office and vacate The White House ready for the incoming administration.

However, after the shocking protests at the Capitol, Trump released a statement supporting an orderly transition of power.

Joe Biden and his wife, Dr Jill Biden, will be moving into The White House along with their two dogs, Champ and Major.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Share your views in the comments below.

Joe Biden inauguration 2021

President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are preparing to be sworn into office during the inauguration ceremony today.

During the ceremony, Mr Biden will deliver a speech outline his vision for his term as president.

You can follow all the updates on our Inauguration Day live blog.

Here are the latest updates from January 20:

• Donald and Melania Trump leave White House for the final time as Joe Biden prepares to move in
• Full list of pardons granted by Trump in his final hours as president
• Donald Trump tells fans ‘we’ll be back’ then ends presidency to disco hit YMCA
• Full list of Donald Trump orders Joe Biden set to undo on his first day
• Melania Trump set to hold more power than Donald as ‘tide turns’ on marriage

Source: Read Full Article