In a recent interview, Vice President J.D. Vance stated that former Vice President Kamala Harris declined to allow his family to tour the official vice president’s residence at the Naval Observatory prior to January’s inauguration. Vance said the request was made so his three children, then ages seven, five, and two, could familiarize themselves with their future home.
Vance shared that, without the opportunity for an in-person visit, his children were shown pictures of the residence and a friend’s book featuring the property. The youngest, Mirabel, had recently turned three and had never seen the house in person before moving in.
Outgoing vice presidents traditionally offer this courtesy to incoming families, allowing them to prepare for the transition. The refusal marked a departure from past practice. Harris did not publicly comment on the decision, and her office has not provided a reason for the denial.
The Naval Observatory, located in Washington, D.C., has served as the official residence for the vice president of the United States since 1974. It is a secure facility and typically only opened for guests through special invitation or during official events. While logistical and security considerations can limit access, Vance emphasized that previous administrations had honored the tradition of welcoming the incoming vice president’s family ahead of time.
The incident adds to tensions between the outgoing Biden-Harris administration and the incoming Trump-Vance administration. While ceremonial and symbolic in nature, such traditions are often seen as important moments of goodwill during political transitions.
