A customary practice of a pre-inaugural tour of the Naval Observatory residence has been waived by Vice President Kamala Harris for her successor, Vice President-elect JD Vance, marking a break with tradition.
The shift in procedure comes amid increased political tension, with Kamala Harris becoming the first vice president in recent history to choose not to host their successor for a visit to the 33-room Victorian residence, which has housed vice presidents and their families since the 1970s.
The official vice presidential residence is located within the grounds of the US Naval Observatory, a short distance from the White House.
The shift in tradition follows a heated election, during which Vance made derogatory remarks about Harris during a November rally, referring to her as “trash.” Since the election, there has been no communication between the two, according to a Vance adviser.
Vance escalated his rhetoric against Harris during the campaign, with remarks that ranged from policy critiques to personal attacks. At an Atlanta, Georgia, rally, Vance specifically told his supporters that they were going to “take out the trash in Washington, D.C.,” referring to Harris as the “trash.”
These remarks came after statements in which he labeled Harris as “a crazy person” during an event in Raeford, North Carolina.
In September, Vance suggested that, unlike former President Donald Trump, no one had attempted to kill Harris. These comments were denounced as “dangerous” by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who warned that such language could incite violence against public officials.
Earlier controversy arose when past remarks of Vance criticizing Harris for not having biological children surfaced. He categorized her along with other politicians as “a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives.” Harris responded to these personal attacks by discussing her “modern family” and emphasizing that families take many forms.
Despite the lack of direct communication between Harris and Vance, their staff have kept some level of contact. Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and incoming Second Lady Usha Vance had a conversation last week, though the specifics of their dialogue were not revealed.
The Vance family has started preparations for their move to the Naval Observatory residence in northwest Washington, D.C. Usha Vance, through intermediaries, inquired about childproofing for their three young children in November. After initial rejection by a Harris appointee, subsequent communications with Navy aides have addressed these concerns.
The Vance family held a call with the Navy facilities team, who manage the Naval Observatory, around Christmas to discuss the layout and logistics of their move, according to a person familiar with the vice president’s schedule.
In 2016, then-Vice President Joe Biden hosted Vice President-elect Mike Pence for a two-hour visit including lunch and a tour. In 2008, Vice President Dick Cheney welcomed Biden to the residence for nearly an hour.
In 2021, Harris did not receive a tour before her inauguration, though Pence’s advisers claim an invitation was extended to Harris and Emhoff amidst the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic and then-President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Harris’ decision not to host the traditional tour has been defended by sources close to her, citing her focus on other priorities, including a recently canceled overseas trip and responding to California wildfires. Meanwhile, arrangements are reportedly being made to accommodate the Vance children at the residence, according to sources close to Harris.
Harris’ own move into the residence was delayed until April 2021 due to necessary updates to the heating and air system, chimney liners, and wooden floors.
