Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kamala Harris moves into vice president’s residence after two-month delay

Naval Observatory mansion needed extensive scheduled repairs after Mike Pence moved out

Graeme Massie
Los Angeles
Wednesday 07 April 2021 11:30 EDT
Comments
Vice President Kamala Harris Visits California On Infrastructure Tour

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kamala Harris has finally moved into the vice president’s official residence after a two-month delay.

Ms Harris and husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, started living at the Naval Observatory on Tuesday evening, when she returned to Washington DC from a trip to Los Angeles and Chicago.

“Tonight when she returns, she will take Marine Two to the vice president’s residence,” an official told The New York Times on Tuesday.

The move-in comes more than two months after Ms Harris was inaugurated as the first female vice president in US history.

Since 20 January she has been living at Blair House opposite the White House while extensive scheduled repairs were carried out on the residence.

Read more:

Aides said that the repairs were “more easily conducted with the home unoccupied” and included replacing chimney liners, a new heating and air system and refurbished wooden floors.

The 33-room Queen Anne-style home features a swimming pool, a sunroom and a large veranda.

The decision to do essential maintenance work after Mike Pence moved out came from the Navy, not Ms Harris or Mr Emhoff.

Seven vice presidents have lived at Number One Observatory Circle in northwest Washington DC, starting with vice president Walter Mondale in the 1970s.

Blair House is the presidential guest house, and is normally used by foreign dignitaries and the president on the night before inauguration.

A moving truck was seen outside Blair House last Thursday preparing for the move.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in