Politics

Obamas skip traditional first couples photo with the Trumps

The Obamas may have been cordial hosts to the Trumps at the White House on Thursday, but they skipped one long-standing tradition for current and future first couples.

There is a customary photo op of the couples outside the south entrance of the White House, which the president and his wife appeared to have canceled, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The decision not to participate in this tradition illustrates how bitter the campaign was, particularly for Mrs. Obama, who delivered some of the most emotional arguments against electing Mr. Trump.

After the 2008 election, President Barack Obama and the first lady stood for photos with President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush at the White House.

Although there were no group shots, several photos were released of the president and Donald Trump’s meeting, as well as of Michelle Obama hosting Melania Trump for tea. The Trumps arrived to the White House for a tour through a back door on the South Lawn hidden from public view, the Associated Press reported.

Both Barack Obama and Donald Trump raved about the meeting to the press.

“I just had the opportunity to have an excellent conversation with President-elect Trump. It was wide-ranging. We talked about some of the organizational issues in setting up the White House,” the president said.

Trump said the meeting was a “great honor.”

“The meeting lasted for almost an hour-and-a-half, and it could have, as far as I’m concerned, it could have gone on for a lot longer,” Trump said.

The Bushes with the Obamas at the White House in 2008Getty Images