Life at the White House

Administration

Throughout President Obama’s eight years in office, the White House was both a place of business and a home — a home filled with celebrations, dinners, visitors from near and far, and the family dogs.

Letters to President Obama

When President Obama took office, he asked his staff to send him 10 letters from constituents to read every night. These letters—hand-picked from the thousands of emails and handwritten notes that the White House receives every day—represented the stories and concerns of Americans across the country. The President read a new batch of letters every night, and he often visited letter writers in their hometowns and spoke about how these messages have inspired him and his policies.

A young boy with a light skin tone sits at a table drawing. The drawing reads ¨Dear President Obama, remember the boy who was picked up by the ambulance- in syria?¨ — Alex, a six-year-old boy from New York, asks the President to help him provide a home for a refugee in need. September, 2016

At Home in the White House

President Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, called the White House Residence their home for eight years during his administration.

President Barack Obama and his daughters, Malia, left, and Sasha, watch on television as First Lady Michelle Obama begins her speech at the Democratic National Convention, in the Treaty Room of the White House, Tuesday night, Sept. 4, 2012. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

Shortly after taking office, President Obama adapted the White House tennis court to allow enough room for a full court game of basketball. The court has played host to a number of distinguished visitors, from college basketball championship teams to Wounded Warrior players.

President Barack Obama greets players during a Wounded Warrior basketball game on the White House Basketball Court, July 26, 2011.(Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

There’s Always Time for Family Dinner

“When we’re in town here in Washington, in the evenings, 6:30 we want to be at the dinner table with our kids and I want to be helping with the homework.” —President Obama

When they spent time in the dining room, the Obama family surrounded themselves with artwork and decor that reflected their modern sense of style. By selecting Alma Thomas’ 1966 painting “Resurrection,” the Obamas ensured that she became the first African-American woman artist to be a part of the White House permanent collection.

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters Sasha and Malia watch the World Cup soccer game between the U.S. and Japan, from the Treaty Room office in the residence of the White House, Sunday, July 17, 2011. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

The Kitchen Garden

The Kitchen Garden was planted in the spring of 2009 by Mrs. Michelle Obama with the help of students from a local elementary school. The first kitchen garden on White House grounds since Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt’s Victory Garden during World War II inspired Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids.

White House chefs use produce from the garden for preparing meals for the First Family, as well as for official functions like state dinners. Some produce is donated to Miriam’s Kitchen, a local homeless shelter providing services and homemade meals, a soup kitchen near the White House.

First Lady Michelle Obama harvests vegetables with students in the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn, May 28, 2013. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

“I take great pride in knowing that this little garden will live on as a symbol of the hopes and dreams we all hold of growing a healthier nation for our children.”

Michelle Obama, November 2016

Helped Kids Get Fit with “Let’s Move!”

February 9th, 2010

In 2009, Mrs. Obama planted the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn to initiate a national conversation around the health and wellbeing of the country. In time, that conversation led to Let’s Move!. Through policy, programs, public awareness, and partnerships, Let’s Move! is about putting children on the path to a healthy future during their earliest months and years; giving parents helpful information and fostering environments that support healthy choices; providing healthier foods in our schools; ensuring that every family has access to healthy, affordable food; and helping children become more physically active.

Mrs. Obama participates in a tug of war with Jimmy Fallon in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House during a “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” taping for the second anniversary of the "Let’s Move!" initiative.
Mrs. Obama talks with Joshua Wilkins-Waldron during a "Let's Move! London" event at Winfield House in London, England.
Mrs. Obama participates in a “Let’s Move!” and "Sesame Street" public service announcement taping with Big Bird in the White House Kitchen.

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The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

December 13, 2010

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act updated school meal nutrition standards for the first time in 15 years and increased school meal funding for the first time in 30 years. The law boosted the quality and nutrition of meals for over 50 million children through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Its regulations substantially increased offerings of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reduced the amount of saturated fat, trans fat and sodium.

First Lady Michelle Obama, wearing a tan, red, and black patterned sweater and blue pants, reaches over a lunch table and touches the head of a young boy with a deep skin tone. Also sitting at the table are three young individuals with light-medium skin tones. There are a variety of young individuals sitting in the background blurred out. — Mrs. Obama has lunch with students at Parklawn Elementary School in Alexandria, Va., Jan. 25, 2012. Mrs. Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the school to sample a healthy meal that meets the United States Department of Agriculture's new and improved nutrition standards for school lunches. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

“We can all agree that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, all children should have the basic nutrition they need to learn and grow and to pursue their dreams, because in the end, nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our children. Nothing. And our hopes for their future should drive every single decision that we make.”

Michelle Obama, December 13, 2010

White House Champions of Change: One Voice Can Change the World

President Obama challenged us all to help win the future by out-educating, out-innovating, and out-building our competitors in the 21st century. Over the course of his presidency he encouraged citizens to nominate people doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their communities to become Champions of Change.

Improved Veterans’ Service

Mrs. Obama and Dr. Biden launched Joining Forces in 2011 and have seen incredible impacts since that time.

Employment: Through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, more than 82,000 military spouses have been hired by nearly 300 private- and public-sector partners since the program launched, and more than 850,000 veterans and military spouses have been hired through Joining Forces-allied companies. 50 states have enacted legislation removing credentialing impediments for separating service members and 49 states have enacted legislation assisting in license portability for military spouses.

Education: More than 100 colleges and universities have signed on to “Educate the Educators”, the Joining Forces commitment that will help prepare educators to lead classrooms and develop school cultures that are more responsive to the social, emotional, and academic needs of children in military families. All 50 states have signed on to the Military Child Education Compact to support military students and families.

Wellness: Mrs. Obama launched the Campaign to Change Direction, a mental health public awareness campaign, garnering commitments to teach the “5 Signs” to more than 145 million people. Through a network of medical and mental health professional organizations, this campaign has created opportunities to prepare the nation’s current and future healthcare work force to meet the unique health needs of service members, veterans, and their families.

President Barack Obama greets veterans before the Carrier Classic basketball game between the University of North Carolina Tar Heels and Michigan State Spartans on the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson, docked at North Island Naval Station in San Diego, Calif., Nov. 11, 2011. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki encourage participants during the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride on the South Lawn of the White House, April 17, 2014. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, with veteran James Sperry and his daughter, Hannah, pause for the national anthem prior to Game 1 of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 19, 2011. The First Lady and Dr. Biden attended the game as part of their Joining Forces initiative. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
First Lady Michelle Obama greets Marines following her remarks to 3,000 Marines, soldiers, sailors, and military family members at Memorial Field House in Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 13, 2011. The event was part of the launch of Joining Forces, a national initiative to support and honor America's service members and their families. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

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The White House Student Film Festival

Nearly 50 years ago, the American Film Institute (AFI) was born in the White House Rose Garden. Standing just outside the Oval Office, President Lyndon Johnson spoke to the need to bring together “leading artists of the film industry, outstanding educators, and young men and women who wish to pursue the 20th century art form as their life’s work.”

Since that day, new tools and platforms have allowed remarkable voices of a new generation to speak with this art form, and the AFI partnered with the White House in encouraging the young people of America to tell their inspiring tales.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks during the White House Student Film Festival in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 28, 2014. The event highlights the Administration's commitment to expanding high-speed Internet connectivity and educational technology in classrooms. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

“In this country, if we give all of our kids the best opportunities and technology and resources, there’s no telling what they’ll create -- now and the years ahead.”

President Obama, March 2015

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Bo and Sunny: First Dogs

A video features two black dogs, one sitting ong grass while the other runs wagging its tounge.

Bo, a male Portuguese Water Dog, joined the Obama family at the White House in April 2009, and Sunny, a female Portuguese Water Dog, came along in August 2013.

Celebrations at the Obama White House

First Lady Michelle Obama is joined by White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford, right, and children of military families for a craft project during the 2012 holiday decorations press preview in the State Dining Room of the White House, Nov. 28, 2012. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama listen to the Seneca Valley High School Chamber Choir in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House following a holiday reception, Dec. 5, 2012. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
White House Chief Floral Designer Laura Dowling arranges a bouquet in the Vermeil Room of the White House, Dec. 1, 2010. Simple Gifts is the theme for this year’s holiday decorations. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
White House pastry chefs decorate cookies shaped like Bo, the Obama Family Dog, for holiday receptions at the White House, Dec. 8, 2010. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
"For a new family portrait, I chose a sofa in the Oval Office mostly because the State Floor was busy with tours for the Christmas holiday. Since portraiture is not my strong suit, I tried to make the setup as simple as possible." (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
First Lady Michelle Obama walks with children of military families in the Blue Room of the White House during the Christmas holiday press preview, Nov. 28, 2012. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
"The President walks through the Ground Floor Corridor of the White House as he heads back to the Oval Office following a holiday reception." (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Obama encourages a young participant at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn April 13, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
KidTribe hula hoopers perform during the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House, April 1, 2013. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
The White House is decorated for Halloween as local children and children of military families trick-or-treat at the South Portico, Oct. 31, 2014. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
"The President and First Lady react to a child in a pope costume and mini popemobile as they welcomed children during a Halloween event on the South Lawn of the White House."Oct. 30, 2015 (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama descend the Grand Staircase of White House to attend a holiday party, Dec. 13, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and Marian Robinson welcome children from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia schools for Halloween festivities at the North Portico of the White House, Oct. 31, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Children from Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia schools participate in Halloween festivities at the North Portico of the White House, Oct. 31, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama hand out Halloween treats to children on the North Portico of the White House, Oct. 31, 2010. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama hands treats out to local children and children of military families for trick-or-treat at the South Portico of the White House on Halloween, Oct. 31, 2014. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
This is the first time the same child has made two appearances in the Year in Photos. But it was difficult to not again include Ella Rhodes, daughter of Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, after the President lifted her in her elephant costume that she was wearing for a Halloween event at the White House." (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
“During a Super Bowl watching party in the White House theatre, the President and First Lady join their guests in watching one of the TV commercials in 3D.” Feb. 1, 2009 (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and Malia Obama, center, watch the Fourth of July fireworks from the roof of the White House, July 4, 2014. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barrack Obama carries a cake into the Oval Office birthday party for Phil Schiliro, assistant to the president for legislative affairs, August 6, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
"The President and his daughters Malia and Sasha look at 'Mac' the turkey in the East Room prior to the annual National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony at the White House. The President pardoned 'Cheese' publicly, though both 'Mac' and 'Cheese' were spared to live out their life at a farm in Ohio." (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

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State Dinners Throughout the Years

In the nineteenth century, the term “State Dinner” was used to denote any affair that honored the President’s Cabinet, Congress, or other dignitaries. However, President Ulysses S. Grant changed the meaning of the term when he welcomed King David Kalakua of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1874. Now, State Dinners are grand affairs hosted by the President to welcome a visiting head of state.

A State Dinner requires at minimum, six months of preparation. From the guest list and invitations, to the menus and seating arrangements, all require the careful attention of the First Lady, State Department, and White House Social Secretary.

"Ever the gentleman, the President helps the First Lady off the stage after she thanked the White House chefs during the State Dinner for President François Hollande of France on the South Lawn of the White House." Feb. 11, 2014 (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
“The President and First Lady wait for Indian Prime Minister Singh’s motorcade to depart the White House at the conclusion of the first official state dinner for the Obama administration. The dinner was held in a tent on the South Lawn.” Nov. 24, 2009 (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
First Lady Michelle Obama claps during the entertainment portion of the State Dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India, left, and his wife, Mrs. Gursharan Kaur, held in a tent on the South Lawn of the White House, Nov. 24, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome President Hu Jintao of China at the North Portico of the White House for the State Dinner, Jan. 19, 2011. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama joins First Lady Michelle Obama onstage for a surprise visit during the Kids' State Dinner in the East Room of the White House, July 18, 2014. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Vice President Joe Biden greets Lance Powlis, a trumpet player in Janelle Monáe's band, following their State Dinner performance in the State Dining Room of the White House, Oct. 13, 2011. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President Felipe Calderón of Mexico, and his wife, Mrs. Margarita Zavala, ride a trolley to a tent on the South Lawn of the White House, for the State Dinner reception, May 19, 2010. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
From left, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, former President Jimmy Carter, Dr. Jill Biden, and Vice President Joe Biden listen to performers during the State Dinner reception in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 19, 2011. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)

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Watch: Behind the Scenes: Preparing The United Kingdom State Dinner Opens in a new tab

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Musical and Arts Performances at the White House

Musical performances at the White House ranged in form, genre, and style. Artists such as Beyoncé, Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, and the Mount Ennon Baptist Church Children’s Chorus performed during President Obama’s time in office.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dance to music performed by the United States Marine Band, during the State Dinner reception in a tent on the South Lawn of the White House, May 19, 2010. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
The view of the South Lawn of the White House as the Foo Fighters performed on July 4, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
The Mount Ennon Baptist Church Children's Chorus, from Clinton, Md., perform at an Easter Prayer Breakfast with Christian leaders in the East Room of the White House, April 6, 2010. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Aretha Franklin performs during "The Gospel Tradition: In Performance at the White House" in the East Room of the White House, April 14, 2015. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Pitbull performs during the Fourth of July celebration on the South Lawn of the White House, July 4, 2014. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
President Barack Obama listens to the Crenshaw Elite Choir perform in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House following a Christmas holiday reception, Dec. 11, 2013. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Audra McDonald performs in the East Room of the White House during the National Governors Association Dinner hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Feb. 24, 2013. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Paul McCartney performs during the Gershwin Prize concert honoring him in the East Room of the White House, June 2, 2010. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
B.B. King performs as President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host "In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues" in celebration of blues music in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 21, 2012. The concert is in recognition of Black History Month. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library).
President Barack Obama and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick listen as students from Orchard Gardens K-8 School in Roxbury, Mass., perform Dr. Marin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Feb. 28, 2012. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Dianne Reeves performs in the East Room of the White House during the National Governors Association Dinner, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Mick Jagger performs “I Can’t Turn You Loose” during the “In Performance at the White House: Red, White and Blues” concert in the East Room of the White House, Feb. 21, 2012. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Beyoncé performs during the State Dinner reception in honor of President Felipe Calderón of Mexico and his wife, Mrs. Margarita Zavala, in a tent on the South Lawn of the White House, May 19, 2010. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Indian dancers perform at the State Dinner hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama in honor of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and his wife, Mrs. Gursharan Kaur, in a tent on the South Lawn of the White House, Nov. 24, 2009. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
The Lumineers perform during the South by South Lawn event on the South Lawn of the White House, Oct. 3, 2016. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Vice President Joe Biden greets Lance Powlis, a trumpet player in Janelle Monáe's band, following their State Dinner performance in the State Dining Room of the White House, Oct. 13, 2011. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)
Vice President Joe Biden greets Lance Powlis, a trumpet player in Janelle Monáe's band, following their State Dinner performance in the State Dining Room of the White House, Oct. 13, 2011. (Courtesy Barack Obama Presidential Library)