Balancing Tradition and Modernity: Moving into the Vice President’s Residence

Smiling woman in black coat waves among people.

Vice President Kamala Harris breaks with tradition, declining to host Senator JD Vance for a tour of the Naval Observatory residence as he prepares to take office.

At a Glance

JD Vance and family set to move into Vice President’s residence on January 20
VP Harris has not extended a formal tour invitation to the Vances
Vance family making independent arrangements for the move, including childproofing
Harris team focused on other priorities, including overseas trip and California wildfires
Break from tradition highlights evolving political protocols during transitions

Transition without Tradition: The Vance Family’s Move to Naval Observatory

As the political landscape shifts with the incoming administration, Senator JD Vance and his family are preparing for their move to the Vice President’s residence at the Naval Observatory on January 20. However, this transition is marked by a notable departure from longstanding custom, as Vice President Kamala Harris has not extended the traditional courtesy of providing an introductory tour to her successor.

Shameful DC coverup.

Kamala has refused requests for JD and Usha Vance to see the VP residence and working spaces – while claiming that she’s focused on a peaceful transition.

The media’s inability to hold Democrats to the same standard they hold Republicans is a fact the…

— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) January 14, 2025

The Vance family, including three children all under eight years old, are navigating the logistical challenges of this high-profile move largely on their own. Usha Vance, the Senator’s wife, has been proactive in addressing family needs, inquiring about childproofing measures for the residence. Initially, these inquiries met with resistance from a Harris appointee, but communication channels have since opened with Navy aides responsible for the property.

Breaking Protocol: Harris’s Priorities and Vance’s Preparations

The absence of a formal invitation from Vice President Harris has raised eyebrows in political circles. Her team cites pressing commitments, including an upcoming overseas trip and addressing California wildfires, as reasons for the VP’s full schedule. This situation contrasts sharply with past transitions, such as in 2016 when the Bidens hosted the Pences at the residence shortly after the election.

Despite the lack of a formal tour, the Vance family is not entering the residence entirely unprepared. Navy officials provided a house overview to the Vances before Christmas to assist with their move. Additionally, Usha Vance had a 40-minute conversation with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, suggesting some level of communication between the incoming and outgoing families.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

The current transition’s unconventional nature is not without precedent. Vice President Harris herself did not visit the residence before her swearing-in, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pence’s advisers claim that an invitation was discreetly offered to Harris at the time, but no formal meeting took place.

As the Vance family prepares for their new role, arrangements are being made to accommodate their young children at the residence. This focus on family needs highlights the personal aspects of political transitions that often go unseen by the public. The lack of comment from spokespeople for both Vance and Harris on the situation underscores the sensitive nature of these transitions, especially when they deviate from established norms.

Balancing Tradition and Modern Realities

This break from tradition in the Vice Presidential transition raises questions about the evolving nature of political protocols. As leaders balance personal priorities, family needs, and official duties, the rigidity of certain customs may be challenged. The Vance family’s experience suggests a shift towards more flexible and family-centric approaches to these high-level transitions.