Obamas Return to White House , To Unveil Official Portraits.<br />NBC News reports that the former president and first lady returned to the White House together on Sept. 7 for the first time since leaving office.<br />NBC News reports that the former president and first lady returned to the White House together on Sept. 7 for the first time since leaving office.<br />The trip was to unveil their official portraits.<br />President Biden welcomed them in the East Room, saying, “Barack and Michelle, welcome home.”.<br />President Biden welcomed them in the East Room, saying, “Barack and Michelle, welcome home.”.<br />NBC News reports that most presidents and first ladies pick the artist they'd like to capture their likeness prior to leaving office.<br />NBC News reports that most presidents and first ladies pick the artist they'd like to capture their likeness prior to leaving office.<br />Barack and Michelle chose artists Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung to paint their portraits.<br />Barack and Michelle chose artists Robert McCurdy and Sharon Sprung to paint their portraits.<br />The tradition of official portraits <br />was implemented in 1965.<br />NBC News reports that it is customary for sitting presidents to host their predecessors for the official portrait ceremony.<br />NBC News reports that it is customary for sitting presidents to host their predecessors for the official portrait ceremony.<br />Former President Trump did not do so <br />for the Obamas and never gave an<br />explanation as to why he broke tradition.<br />The ceremony was further postponed after Biden took office because of COVID.<br />The ceremony was further postponed after Biden took office because of COVID
