JD Vance’s Family Move Sparks Changes in Vice Presidential Protocols

Smiling woman in black coat waves among people.

JD Vance’s family prepares to move into the Vice President’s residence without the traditional tour from Kamala Harris, sparking discussions about evolving political protocols.

At a Glance

JD Vance and family set to move into Naval Observatory residence on January 20
Vice President Harris has not extended a formal tour invitation to the Vances
Usha Vance inquired about childproofing for their three young children
Navy officials provided a house overview to assist with the move
Harris’ team focused on other priorities, including overseas trip and California wildfires

Breaking Tradition: The Vance Family’s Unique Transition

As the political landscape shifts with the incoming administration, the Vance family finds themselves in an unprecedented situation. JD Vance, his wife Usha, and their three children under eight years old are scheduled to move into the Vice President’s residence at the Naval Observatory on January 20. Unlike previous transitions, the current Vice President, Kamala Harris, has not extended the customary invitation for a tour of the residence to her successor’s family.

Shameful DC coverup.

Kamala has refused requests for JD and Usha Vance to see the VP residence and working spaces – while claiming that she’s focused on a peaceful transition.

The media’s inability to hold Democrats to the same standard they hold Republicans is a fact the…

— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) January 14, 2025

This departure from tradition has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the evolution of political protocols. The Vance family, particularly Usha Vance, has taken proactive steps to prepare for their move, including inquiries about childproofing the historic residence for their young children.

Communication Challenges and Navy Assistance

Initially, the Vances faced some hurdles in their attempts to gather information about their future home. Early inquiries were reportedly rebuffed by a Harris appointee, highlighting the potential for communication breakdowns during transitions of power. However, the situation improved as Navy aides stepped in to facilitate the process.

In a move to assist the incoming family, Navy officials provided the Vances with an overview of the house before Christmas. This gesture helped bridge the gap left by the absence of the traditional tour and demonstrates the military’s role in ensuring smooth transitions, even when political customs are not followed.

Adapting to Family Needs

The Vance family’s transition brings a unique set of challenges to the Vice President’s residence. With three children all under the age of eight, childproofing and adapting the historic home to accommodate young residents has become a priority. This situation underscores the need for flexibility in government residences to cater to the diverse needs of incoming families.

Usha Vance took the initiative to discuss these matters directly with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff in a 40-minute conversation. This personal interaction between the incoming and outgoing families demonstrates that some level of cooperation is occurring, despite the absence of the traditional tour.

Harris’ Focus on Current Duties

While the lack of a formal invitation from Vice President Harris has drawn attention, it’s important to note the context of her current responsibilities. Harris’ team is reportedly focused on pressing matters, including an upcoming overseas trip and addressing the urgent situation of California wildfires.

This prioritization of immediate national and international concerns over ceremonial duties reflects the demanding nature of the Vice President’s role and the need to balance various responsibilities. It also highlights how traditional practices may sometimes take a back seat to more urgent matters of state.

Historical Context and Future Implications

The current situation stands in contrast to previous transitions. In 2016, for instance, the Bidens hosted the Pences at the residence shortly after the election, maintaining the tradition of welcoming incoming families. However, it’s worth noting that Harris herself did not visit the residence before her swearing-in due to extraordinary circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.