Donald Trump has been staying at Blair House, the traditional residence for incoming presidents before their inauguration. This historic venue, larger than the White House, features 119 rooms and a tranquil garden. Over the years, it has hosted notable figures like Charles de Gaulle and Queen Elizabeth II. Blair House has a rich history, including security incidents, and was originally established in 1824, later repurchased by Roosevelt for visiting dignitaries.
Donald Trump’s Stay at Blair House Before Inauguration
Since Saturday, Donald Trump has been residing in the historic Blair House, eagerly anticipating a return to the White House for another four-year term. This prestigious residence, located directly across from the White House in the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C., is the traditional lodging for the incoming president on the eve of their inauguration. Blair House serves as a welcoming venue for distinguished guests, a site of significant historical events, and a place where presidents prepare to take their oath.
A Rich History and Unique Features of Blair House
Boasting a light facade with an unassuming appearance, Blair House is actually a complex of four interconnected buildings that span an impressive 6,500 square meters, surpassing the size of the White House itself. It features 119 elegantly decorated rooms specifically designed for hosting foreign dignitaries and facilitating diplomatic discussions. A serene garden at the back offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling tourist crowds.
Each president has their own memorable stories associated with Blair House. For instance, in January 2009, Barack Obama, who was relocating from Chicago, sought to move in before his inauguration due to housing shortages for his family in Washington. However, the Bush administration only granted him access starting on January 15, five days before the inauguration, citing the presence of a former Australian Prime Minister as the reason for the delay—a justification that raised eyebrows among the media.
Throughout its history, Blair House has welcomed numerous notable guests, including Charles de Gaulle, Queen Elizabeth II, the Emperor of Japan, and Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron during their state visit in late 2022. The residence has been the backdrop for significant negotiations, including discussions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and multiple G7 finance meetings. Bill Clinton even recounted an amusing incident involving Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who was once found outside in his underwear trying to hail a taxi, only to be mistaken for an intruder the following day. British Prime Minister Tony Blair humorously remarked during a 1998 visit that he felt “a bit at home” in the residence.
Despite not being known for its exceptional security, Blair House was home to President Harry Truman and his family for much of his term from 1948 to 1952, allowing for extensive renovations of the White House. Notably, on November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to assassinate Truman by forcefully entering the residence with rifles, resulting in the deaths of one assailant and a police officer.
Security concerns persisted into the 21st century, as demonstrated by a September 2000 incident where an intruder breached the room of the Indian Prime Minister, who was visiting but absent at the time.
Established in 1824, Blair House was initially given to Francis Preston Blair, a prominent newspaper co-owner and ally of President Andrew Jackson. He transformed the residence into a popular gathering spot for Washington’s elite. In 1942, Franklin D. Roosevelt repurchased Blair House to accommodate visiting dignitaries, particularly to avoid the inconvenience of Winston Churchill, who often disturbed him at early hours to engage in discussions while enjoying a cigar.