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Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
National
Eli Stokols

At White House portrait unveiling, Michelle Obama seizes the moment

Michelle Obama White House Joe Biden Donald Trump Obamas Barack First Ladies Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON — Historically, former presidents and first ladies return to the White House during their successor’s term for the official unveiling of their portraits. That didn’t happen over President Donald Trump’s four years in office. So on Wednesday, President Joe Biden welcomed the Obamas back to their former home for a ceremony that was in many ways a lighthearted, happy reunion.

But after Biden and Obama spoke, trading the usual self-deprecating jokes and praise, former first lady Michelle Obama stepped to the presidential lectern in the East Room and delivered a stirring reflection on the ceremony’s meaning and the state of a country in turmoil.

Wearing a dramatic fuchsia and red gown and her hair in braids, Obama reflected on her humble childhood on Chicago’s South Side and the unlikeliness of someone like her winding up with their portrait hanging in the White House.

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