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How Can I Tour the White House in Washington, DC?

Everything you need to know about planning a visit to the country’s most famous house., requesting a white house tour.

Touring the White House requires some advance planning. Public tour requests must be made through your member of Congress ( find your member of Congress and contact information ) and submitted up to three months in advance and no less than 21 days prior to your visit. If you're an international visitor and wish to schedule a tour, please contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, DC.

You are encouraged to submit your tour request as early as possible as tours fill up quickly and a limited number of spaces are available. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. All White House tours are free. Please note tours are subject to last-minute cancellations based on the official White House schedule.

Public, self-guided tours are 45 minutes and are run between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays unless otherwise noted. For complete details on White House tours, visit the White House tours and events page or call the White House Visitors Office 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041. The White House is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

Touring the White House - Washington, DC

What to expect on a White House tour

If there is a tour slot available during your visit to DC, you will be given a specific date and time to arrive and be instructed on where to check in. All guests over 18 years old will be required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID upon check-in. Foreign nationals must present their passport. Please bring as little as possible (avoid backpacks, food, large handbags, bottled water, etc.). Note that smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are permitted on the public tour route, but video recording devices and flash photography are not allowed inside the White House. Visitors will go through security prior to entering the White House. There are no restrooms available at the White House. The closest restroom is located at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion nearby.

Public tours of the White House include the public rooms in the East Wing, which includes the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden. Secret Service members are stationed in each room and are available to answer questions about the history and architecture of each room.

You can also visit the White House Visitor Center   before or after your tour.

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How to get to the White House

The closest Metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle (Blue and Orange lines), Metro Center (Blue, Orange and Red lines) and McPherson Square (Blue and Orange lines). Please note there is NO PARKING near the White House. Public transportation is strongly encouraged.

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How to tour the White House Garden

Another opportunity to visit the White House is to attend either its fall or spring garden tour. Check whitehouse.gov in early October and April. The announcement of the garden tours is usually made within a week or two of when they take place. Garden tours generally run for two consecutive days. They may be canceled due to poor weather. A ticket is required for all attendees (including small children). Usually, tickets are distributed by the National Park Service at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion on 15th and E streets NW on each tour day beginning at 9 a.m. Review the announcement for specific details.

Will I still be able to see the White House without going on a tour?

While visitors are not allowed entry to the White House without requesting a tour through your congressional representative, you will still be able to see the White House from Pennsylvania Avenue NW at Lafayette Square and view the White House and the South Lawn from the Ellipse. Please note that a new fence is currently under construction at the White House, as the current 6-foot fence is being replaced by a stronger, wider fence that will be 13 feet.

Where can I store my belongings during the tour?

It is important to note that security at the White House is extremely high. If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room during the tour. If this is not possible, there are a few other options. You can designate one member of your tour group to hold everyone’s belongings. That person can take the self-guided tour once his or her group has finished the tour.

If you're a ticketed Amtrak customer, you may be able to check luggage in advance at  Union Station . These are located near Gate A. Lockers are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. A photo ID is required and lockers must be paid for via cash or credit in advance. Rates are $3-$6 per hour per bag depending on the size of your bag. For questions on bag storage, please call 202-906-3000.

Catch up on White House history with the free podcas t The 1600 Sessions and enhance your trip with the  White House Experience app  from the White House Historical Association. The app offers three tour experiences, including a virtual tour of the White House (with rooms you normally don't see on the tour), a neighborhood walking tour and a room-by-room guide for visitors on an in-person tour of the White House.

Now that you have read up on the White House, explore DC’s other awesome  monuments and memorials .

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White House tours are back!

Vanessa Romo

White House tours are once again open to the public, offering people a glimpse into the East Wing of the first family's temporary home, including the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden. Ron Edmonds/AP hide caption

White House tours are once again open to the public, offering people a glimpse into the East Wing of the first family's temporary home, including the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden.

There's great news for curious lookie-loos: Public tours of the White House have resumed.

Officials announced that the free tours will initially be available from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, excluding federal holidays. Rules for visiting the presidential work-live manse remain the same. According to the White House:

Public tour requests are scheduled on a first come, first served basis and must be submitted through a Member of Congress and their Congressional Tour Coordinator. Constituents may reach your Member of Congress and Congressional Tour Coordinator through the U.S. House of Representative's Switchboard at 202-225-3121, the U.S. Senate Switchboard at 202-224-3121, or online at www.congress.gov/members .

Would-be visitors will also have to get the timing just right. Requests must be submitted 21 days to three months in advance of the desired visit.

The People's House has been periodically closed to the public through part of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, those who are lucky enough to book a slot can get an IRL look into several rooms in the East Wing of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, including the Blue Room, Red Room and Green Room; the State Dining Room; the China Room; and a view of the White House Rose Garden.

The Secret Service can also be a part of the experience. In addition to keeping an eye on the valuables, it's available to answer questions about the history and architecture of each room.

Here's a bit of what visitors can expect to see:

President Barack Obama looks at a portrait of President John Adams while waiting in the White House's Blue Room prior to a news conference in the East Room on Feb. 9, 2009. The White House/Getty Images hide caption

President Barack Obama looks at a portrait of President John Adams while waiting in the White House's Blue Room prior to a news conference in the East Room on Feb. 9, 2009.

The Blue Room wasn't a thing until 1837, when President Martin Van Buren — the eighth president of the U.S. — introduced the color blue into the decorating scheme.

Before that, there had been a bit of a kerfuffle over how the large oval room, which later became the inspiration for the design of the Oval Office, should be decorated.

Apparently, President James Monroe wanted to deck out the room in a French Empire style and placed an order for a suite of French mahogany furniture through the American firm Russell and La Farge, with offices in Le Havre, France, according to White House records.

"However, the firm shipped gilded furniture instead, asserting that 'mahogany is not generally admitted into the furniture of a Salon, even at private gentlemen's houses.' "

Refreshed wall fabric brightens the Red Room in September 2019. Patrick Semansky/AP hide caption

Refreshed wall fabric brightens the Red Room in September 2019.

The Red Room was mostly yellow until 1845, when President James K. Polk and first lady Sarah Polk added red- and green-covered rocking chairs, ottomans, armchairs and lounges. That's when it went from being called the Washington Parlor to the Red Room.

In March 1877, it became the scene of President-elect Rutherford B. Hayes' historic swearing-in, which in some ways paralleled the Electoral College vote count of Jan. 6, 2021.

The White House Historical Association states on its website:

"Political tensions ran high after his bitterly contested election over Samuel J. Tilden, so Hayes secretly took the Oath of Office at the White House. Inauguration Day fell on a Sunday that year, and this swearing-in avoided a 24-hour delay in the transfer of power and any perceived danger of a coup."

Paintings of past presidents adorn the walls as a crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling of the Green Room on Jan. 21, 1963. AP hide caption

Paintings of past presidents adorn the walls as a crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling of the Green Room on Jan. 21, 1963.

John Quincy Adams, the United States' sixth president, came up with the idea of calling this room the Green Drawing Room sometime between 1825 and 1829, according to the White House.

"The inspiration for the name may have come from Thomas Jefferson's use of the space as a dining room, when he covered the floor with a green-colored canvas for protection."

During its most recent renovation, then-first lady Melania Trump added a portrait of former first lady Edith Roosevelt, wife of President Theodore Roosevelt.

State Dining Room

President Biden speaks about the January jobs reports during an event in the State Dining Room on Feb. 4. Win McNamee/Getty Images hide caption

President Biden speaks about the January jobs reports during an event in the State Dining Room on Feb. 4.

The State Dining Room has been through some wild makeovers, growing from an intimate space to a cavernous hall that can seat up to 140 guests.

While today's version, most recently revamped by then-first lady Michelle Obama, is calming and elegant, with ivory walls and a muted blue rug, earlier versions included intricate wall paintings and walls in "many shades and textures of yellow and highlighted in silver," according to the White House Historical Association.

President Theodore Roosevelt expanded the dining room and added some personal touches that were very on-brand for the outdoorsman: He hung "a large moose head above the fireplace and placed other game trophies on the natural oak panels," states the association's website.

The Truman china set is displayed on a table in the White House's China Room. This set, selected by first lady Bess Truman in 1951, is the first state china service to feature the presidential coat of arms as redesigned by President Harry Truman in 1945. Susan Walsh/AP hide caption

The Truman china set is displayed on a table in the White House's China Room. This set, selected by first lady Bess Truman in 1951, is the first state china service to feature the presidential coat of arms as redesigned by President Harry Truman in 1945.

This room is entirely dedicated to holding and displaying china used by dozens of U.S. presidents. It was first called the Presidential Collection Room, but in 1917, Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, President Woodrow Wilson's second wife, decided to display the growing collection of White House china throughout the room.

The Associated Press reported that first lady Mamie Eisenhower "was instrumental in locating the personal china of Presidents Johnson, Taft, Harding, Coolidge and Hoover to complete the collection."

White House Rose Garden

Tulips add an annual burst of color during spring in the White House Rose Garden. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press hide caption

Tulips add an annual burst of color during spring in the White House Rose Garden.

Yes, it's called the Rose Garden, but countless other blooms are to be found, depending on the season.

While the garden was established in 1913, it was President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy who in 1961 decided to breathe new life into the space.

The White House Historical Association states that the couple was inspired after a state visit to France, England and Austria: "The President had noted that the White House had no garden equal in quality or attractiveness to the gardens that he had seen and in which he had been entertained in Europe. There he had recognized the importance of gardens surrounding an official residence and their appeal to the sensibilities of all people."

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Visitor's Guide to The White House

Visitors from around the world come to Washington, DC to tour the White House, the home, and office of the U.S. President. Built between 1792 and 1800, the White House is one of the oldest public buildings in the nation's capital and serves as a museum of American history. George Washington selected the site for the White House in 1791 and chose the design submitted by Irish-born architect James Hoban. The historic structure has been expanded and renovated many times throughout history. There are 132 rooms on 6 levels. The decor includes a collection of fine and decorative arts, such as historic paintings, sculpture, furniture, and China.

Public tours of the White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, are limited to groups of 10 or more and must be requested through a member of Congress. These self-guided tours are available from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, Requests can be submitted up to six months in advance and no less than 21 days in advance. To contact your Representative and Senators, call (202) 224-3121. Tickets are provided free of charge.

Visitors who are not US citizens should contact their embassy in DC about tours for international visitors, which are arranged through the Protocol Desk at the State Department. Visitors who are 18 years of age or older are required to present a valid, government-issued photo identification. All foreign nationals must present their passport. Prohibited items include cameras, video recorders, backpacks or purses, strollers, weapons, and more. The U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit other personal items.

Transportation and Parking

The closest Metro stations to the White House are Federal Triangle, Metro Center and McPherson Square. Parking is very limited in this area, so public transportation is recommended.

Visitor Center

The White House Visitor Center has just been renovated with brand new exhibits and is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Watch a 30-minute video and learn about many aspects of the White House, including its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events, and relations with the press and world leaders.

Lafayette Park

The seven-acre public park located across from the White House is a great spot to take photos and enjoy the view. It is a prominent arena often used for public protests, ranger programs, and special events.

Garden Tours

The White House Garden is open to the public a few times a year. Visitors are invited to view the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children's Garden, and South Lawn. Tickets are distributed the day of the event.

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The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the White House in Washington, D.C. [Includes Virtual Tour]

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History of the White House

Planning your visit, on the day of your tour, the white house experience mobile app (virtual tour), white house garden tour, the white house easter egg roll, what to see at the visitor center, when to visit, the northern trail, the southern trail, other landmarks and buildings, the north side from pennsylvania avenue, 20 facts about the white house, hotels near the white house, final thoughts.

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As the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, the White House is one of the most easily recognizable and iconic buildings in the world. Home to every U.S. president since John Adams in 1800, the White House is a historically and culturally important building that attracts millions of visitors all year round.

The site for the White House was selected by George Washington back in 1791, with the cornerstone laid by Irish-born architect James Hoban 1 year later. The extensive and ambitious build took 8 years to complete, and although it was Washington that commissioned it, he sadly died before it was completed.

Originally known as the President’s House, it was the second President of the United States, President John Adams, and his wife that were the first to take up residence there . However, much of the original building was destroyed by a fire set by rampaging Brits in 1814. The newly built house was completed some 4 years later, and it has been called home by a succession of presidents and their families ever since.

During the early 20th century, various additions were made to the building, including the iconic West Wing that houses the Oval Office, the Cabinet Room, the Situation Room, and the Roosevelt Room, among others. During the Great Depression, the White House suffered neglect as a result of dwindling funding, and urgent renovations were needed during the 1940s.

Now one of the most well-cared for and loved buildings in America, the White House as we know it today is home to 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, and 6 levels in residence , as well as 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases, and 3 elevators. Anyone visiting the capital city of Washington, D.C., should definitely try to pay a visit.

Getting to the White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is probably one of the most famous addresses in the world. Taking a trip to visit the sprawling presidential home and offices is easy using almost any route.

There is a Metrobus stop located on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 14th Street, which is the closest stop to the White House Visitor Center. Pennsylvania Avenue Line numbers 30, 32, 34, 35, and 36 all stop there.

Union Station is around 1.5 miles away from the Visitor Center. Heading northeast along Massachusetts Avenue, you can take in the city as you walk there, or hop on the shuttle bus that leaves from outside the station every 10 minutes.

The Blue, Silver, and Orange lines stop at Farragut West, McPherson Square, or Metro Center stations, all of which are within easy walking distance of the Visitor Center.

There are several parking lots that are located close to the White House Visitor Center, but spaces can be difficult to find and expensive. Downtown D.C. is also rated as one of the worst cities for traffic in the U.S. , so it may be quicker to walk or use public transport than try to undertake the journey by car.

How to Schedule a Tour of the White House

The White House is one of the most popular landmark attractions in the world. Every year, demand for tours outstrips the available places, so before your head off, make sure you know the best ways to maximize your chances of getting a tour inside the world-famous White House.

In order to visit the rooms that are available for public inspection at the White House, you will need to book a tour in advance . Tours are free of charge and self-guided , but you must request permission to visit at least 3 weeks in advance of your arrival in order to receive clearance from the U.S. Secret Service.

You can request tours up to 3 months in advance via your member of Congress , but there is no guarantee that your request will be accepted.

The self-guided tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, but these timings can be subject to change depending on the White House schedules and events. Tours can also be canceled without prior notice, so be prepared.

Tours run in groups of 10 , and you will be placed in a group with other visitors before arrival if there are not enough in your own party. You will need to submit information about every member of your party, including their address, phone number, date of birth, Social Security number, and country of citizenship.

You will need to show your ID upon arrival, and your ID must exactly match all of the information you submitted in your application . A valid U.S. government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or military ID, is acceptable for U.S. nationals, as are valid U.S. passports.

Overseas Nationals

If you are planning on visiting the White House from overseas, you will need to contact your home country’s embassy in Washington, D.C. to submit a tour request before your departure. Foreign nationals must present their passport — no other forms of foreign ID will be considered as acceptable.

Disabilities

If you or anyone in your group is hearing, visually, or mobility impaired, their needs can usually be catered for through your member of Congress, or via your embassy. There is also a TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf) at the Visitor Center, which can be contacted at 202-456-2121. Guide animals are permitted in the White House.

If you need the use of a wheelchair during your visit, you can request the loan of a wheelchair at the Visitor Entrance upon arrival. Unfortunately, reservations are not possible , but if you are able to secure one, there is a ramp to allow access to the entrance on the ground floor, and an elevator to take you from the ground floor to the State floor.

Hot Tip: While no tour company can get you access to the White House, you can take the popular hop-on, hop-off tour of Washington, D.C . on the red loop which takes in the White House, U.S. Capitol, and many more landmarks. 

If you are successful in your application to book a tour of the White House, there are further instructions and guidelines to consider on the day.

Firstly, you should plan to get to President’s Park 15-30 minutes before your tour is due to start . This will allow plenty of time for presenting your ID to officers, taking toilet breaks, and ensuring that you don’t have prohibited items in your bag. Better still, if you arrive an hour or so before your allocated tour time, you can take in the exhibits and watch a video of the White House at the Visitor Center.

You will enter the White House by the south side of East Executive Avenue near the Southeast Gate , where National Park Service rangers will be on hand to assist you.

As you would expect, security is tight in and around the White House. Visitors must adhere to strict rules about what they can and can’t take with them during the tour.

Prohibited items include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Video cameras and cameras with detachable lenses
• Tablets and iPads
• Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, and camera sticks
• Any bags, including handbags, purses, book bags, backpacks, diaper bags, and camera bags
• Any pointed object or sharp objects
• Food and liquids
• Aerosols and personal grooming items such as makeup or lotion
• Guns, ammunition, fireworks, electric stun guns, and mace
• Martial arts weapons or toy weapons

You should also note that there are no storage facilities at the White House , so if you accidentally bring prohibited items with you, there is nowhere to leave them, and you will be denied entry to the tour. Leave everything on the above list back at home or in your hotel room.

There are certain items that you can take with you on your tour, but they may be subject to usage limitations. These include:

• Compact cameras (can be used for still photography only, no video recording or streaming, and all lenses must be less than 3 inches long)
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• Cell phones (remember, though, that talking or texting is not allowed, and phones must be on silent)
• All items needed for medical purposes will be permitted, including wheelchairs, electronic scooters, glucose tablets, EpiPens, medication, etc.)

Hot Tip: Before and during the tour, you are at the mercy of government officers. In some circumstances, the U.S. Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items that you may be carrying.

In these tech-friendly times, smartphone users will be delighted to know that there is a White House Experience Mobile App that you can download to enhance your experience during your visit.

Available on both iOS and Android , this is a useful tool for visitors who have not been successful in finding a place on an official tour, as well as those who have. Users can enjoy a virtual tour of the White House and the surrounding President’s Neighborhood, as well as taking a tour through the history of the White House and how its customs have evolved.

There are also a number of fun features to raise a smile. Snap a selfie with the Presidential Lookalike feature, or take the opportunity to virtually pilot the presidential helicopter around Washington, D.C., using the Fly Like Ike feature.

The Virtual White House tour offers visitors a glimpse of the interiors of the public areas including the East Wing, Family Theater, Library, Vermeil Room, China Room, Diplomatic Reception Room, Map Room, State Floor, as well as the famous rooms of the West Wing such as the Oval Office, Cabinet Room, and Press Room.

You can also sneak a peek into some of the upper floors, including the Treaty Room, the Lincoln Bedroom, the Queen’s Bedroom, and the President’s Dining Room.

While you are out and about, why not try the White House Neighborhood Walking Tour that provides turn-by-turn navigation of the President’s Neighborhood.

This tour stops at a range of historic landmarks, including Decatur House, Lafayette Square, St. John’s Church, Treasury Building, North Lawn, Blair House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building, South Lawn and Ellipse, and the White House Visitor Center. The app also provides information on points of interest at each of these locations.

During the spring and fall, the White House opens its stunning and extensive gardens to visitors. With the sun shining on Washington, D.C., garden lovers can stroll through the White House Kitchen Garden, the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, the Rose Garden, and South Lawn of the White House, while taking in the tranquil surroundings just outside the home of democracy.

The Spring Garden Tour usually takes place on a single weekend in April, while the Fall Garden Tour will is held over a weekend in September. Both White House Garden Tours are free and open to the public, but they are only open to ticket holders.

Tickets can only be obtained on the day , but there are often long queues of people waiting to get hold of them. Every member of your group must wait in-person to receive their ticket, and tours are timed throughout the day. Children are welcome to join you on your tour, but they will need their own ticket, and there are plenty of plaques and information points to take in during your self-guided tour of the gardens.

The White House Gardens are home to over 50 different kinds of vegetables, as well as berries, herbs, and even a beehive . In 2009, first lady Michelle Obama planted the Kitchen Garden in conjunction with her Let’s Move! Initiative that focused on health and well-being in America. To this day, the White House cooks still use fresh fruit, vegetable, and herbs that are grown there when cooking for the first family and their guests.

The Rose Garden is famous for the lush green lawn often seen in outdoor press conferences, and it can be found just outside the West Wing in view of the Oval Office. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden is dedicated to the former first lady herself, and the wide-open lawns and gorgeous borders are often used for parties, teas, and awards ceremonies.

The South Lawn is where the president departs and lands on the official presidential helicopter, Marine One, and is also where the famous annual Easter Egg Roll is held. It is also home to a range of magnolia trees that were first planted by President Andrew Jackson back in the 1800s.

Hot Tip: Visitors are welcome to take photos during the tour and are encouraged to share them on Instagram using the #WHGARDEN hashtag to share the beauty of the White House Gardens with the world.

Often drawing as many as 35,000 parents and children on the South Lawn, the world-famous White House Easter Egg Roll is one of the most exciting events of the White House calendar.

This time-honored tradition was first established by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878 . What initially started as a few local families rolling eggs outside the White House on the first Monday after Easter , was extended when the growing crowds convinced President Hayes to invite young children to roll eggs inside the grounds of the White House Lawn instead.

If it hadn’t have been this kind gesture by the then president, the Egg Roll might never have happened, as members of Congress had already passed an Act banning egg rolling outside the White House as they deemed it be too disruptive.

The White House Easter Bunny holds celebrity status, and the giant 6-foot bunny suit has often worn by members of Congress, first wives, and a range of famous celebrities.

Anyone wanting to come and join in the fun must enter a lottery for a place. Children under 13 years are encouraged to attend, and the event is designed to promote healthy and active living. The lottery is usually held during February , and winners are notified via email the following month. There is no charge to enter the lottery , and attendance is literally by the luck of the draw.

Hot Tip: Commemorative White House Easter eggs can be purchased from the White House Historical Association online store and feature the president’s and the first lady’s signatures.

White House Visitor Center

Located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave., the White House Visitor Center is a great place to visit to find out about the history of the building itself, as well as discovering the customs and events that the White House is so famous for.

Offering just shy of 1,600 square feet of museum-quality exhibits and galleries , there is always something new to see at the Visitor Center. There are nearly 100 famous historical artifacts on display, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s desk and a host of other interesting pieces, many of which have never been on public display before.

The Visitor Center is also home to a large-scale model of the White House and a number of interactive exhibits , including a touch screen tour of the interior.

One of the biggest highlights is a 14-minute film, “White House: Reflections From Within,” that is shown every 20 minutes. It features Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, and a few first ladies and other family members reminiscing about their time in the White House. This is a popular attraction within the Visitor Center and a must-see whether you have managed to secure a place on a White House tour or not.

The White House Visitor Center is operated by the National Park Service . It is housed in historic Baldrige Hall in the Department of Commerce building. In 2014, the center was renovated to offer extra space in which to house a permanent museum gallery, a temporary exhibit area, an improved book sales area, and further visitor information facilities.

The White House Visitor Center is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day . It is free to enter and can be visited in conjunction with a White House tour if you are lucky enough to get on one, or as a stand-alone attraction.

President ’s Park

Located at the heart of downtown Washington, D.C., President’s Park offers 82 acres of stunning open space that includes the parkland and gardens surrounding the White House . The park is home to some of the most famous statues, memorials, and structures in Washington, D.C., and the park is open to visitors all year round.

Throughout the years, the President’s Park has played host to many important events in history. These include marches and rallies held by suffragettes, freedom fighters, and anti-war protestors, as well as welcoming thousands of visitors to enjoy the annual Easter Egg Roll and the lighting of the National Christmas Tree.

The National Park Service promotes 2 very distinct sides of the park for visitors to explore.

Beginning at the White House Visitor Center, visitors can proceed up to 15th Street to Lafayette Park on the Northern Trail . First opened in the 1820s, and redesigned in the 1960s, the park has been used as a race track, a slave market, an encampment for soldiers, and many other things along the way.

The park is also home to St. John’s Church, often referred to as the “Church of the Presidents,” and the whole area became a designated National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Statues and Monuments

The park is home to a number of statues that commemorate the many heroes who helped America during times of war. These include:

General Sherman Statue

Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman has his very own bronze statue that features a square platform with a bronze soldier at each corner. These represent the 4 branches of the U.S. Army: infantry, artillery, cavalry, and engineers.

General Lafayette Statue

Located at the southeast corner of Lafayette Square, this bronze statue was erected in 1891 and portrayed the Marquis de Lafayette petitioning the French National Assembly for assistance to the Americans in their fight for independence. On an adjoining pedestal, there is a bronze female figure, symbolizing America, turning toward him and imploringly lifting a sword.

General Kosciuszko Statue

Commemorating Polish patriot Thaddeus Kosciuszko and his life-long dedication to fighting for freedom in America and Poland, this bronze memorial is located in the northeast corner of Lafayette Park.

General Jackson Memorial

Located in the center of Lafayette Park, this statue portrays General Andrew Jackson reviewing his troops at the Battle of New Orleans. Depicting the general and his horse, the statue was dedicated on January 8, 1853, on the 38th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans.

General von Steuben Statue

Portraying Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben (1730-1794) as he inspects American troops during the American Revolution, this statue recognizes not only his leadership but his commitment to raising the standards of sanitization for soldiers during the war.

General Rochambeau Statue

This French general commanded 5,500 Royal French Expeditionary Forces to help with the American forces during the war. The statue depicts Rochambeau directing his troops, as well as a female figure, Liberty, who raises 2 flags in her left hand, symbolizing the unity of the U.S. and France.

Blair-Lee House

Serving as the official guesthouse for the president, Blair-Lee House was built in 1824. Various presidents and foreign dignitaries have stayed at Blair-Lee House throughout the years, and even today, many foreign heads of state are invited to stay there while visiting with the president.

Baruch Bench of Inspiration

Bernard Baruch was a wealthy financier from New York City who also served the country as an economic advisor during both World War I and World War II. Legend has it that he hated been driven to the White House and preferred instead to sit on a bench and wait for a signal that the president was ready to meet him.

In his honor, a commemorative bench with a bronze plaque set in granite block was dedicated on August 16, 1960, Baruch’s 90th birthday.

Navy Yard Urns

These huge ornamental bronze urns were cast using a melted cannon from the Civil War. They sit on giant pedestals at the center of Jackson Place and are a reminder of the hard-fought battles undertaken by Americans during the Civil War.

The Southern Trail begins at the White House Visitor Center and proceeds onto the Ellipse grounds, following a clockwise route around the parkland.

Monuments and Memorials

Butt-millet memorial fountain.

This tranquil fountain was erected to commemorate the deaths of Major Archibald Wallingham Butt and Francis Davis Millet. They both lost their lives on the RMS Titanic in April 1912. The fountain was also designed to double as a water fountain for the horses ridden by U.S. Park Police while on patrol.

Second Division Memorial

Erected to honor the 17,660 dead who served in the U.S. Army during World War I, this memorial was later extended to include a memorial to some of the most significant battles in World War II and the Korean War. It serves as a place of quiet contemplation and remembrance.

Original Patentees Memorial

This simple granite shaft was erected to remember the original 18 patentees whose land grants embraced the site of the federal city. Each side of the monument contains a relief panel carved with a symbol of the early pioneers’ agricultural pursuits, and the names of the original landowners are inscribed on the base.

Boy Scout Memorial

Dedicated to the Boy Scouts of America, this statue stood on the site of the first-ever Boy Scout Jamboree in 1937. The bronze statue consists of 3 figures that represent the aspirations of all past, present, and future Scouts throughout the world. There is also a female figure that symbolizes enlightenment with the love of God and fellow man, justice, freedom, and democracy.

The Zero Milestone

This 4-foot-high shaft of pink granite is the official starting point for the measurement of highway distances from Washington, D.C. It was built to mark the starting point of the first transcontinental military motor convoy that traveled from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco.

First Division Monument

This was built in remembrance of the heroism of the soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Forces who gave their lives during World War I. Further additions were made to also commemorate those who died in both World War II and the Vietnam War, as well as the Gulf War.

Bulfinch Gatehouses

Both of these gatehouses were build to oversee the U.S. Capitol grounds, and since 1889 they have weathered several floods, water, and the effects of acid rain.

The Ellipse

As perhaps one of the most famous areas of President’s Park, the Ellipse is a large open area surrounded by an oval drive. Over the years, the site has been used as a trash dump, horse pens, and even a slaughterhouse, but it is now often the meeting place for demonstrations and celebrations.

The National Christmas Tree

Every Christmas, local public schools erect a Christmas tree on the Ellipse. This age-old tradition is a highly anticipated event, and each succeeding president has participated in since 1923.

Best Place to Take Pictures of the White House

A visit to Washington, D.C. would not be complete without taking a series of snaps of the White House. There are various ways to capture awesome images of one of the world’s most iconic buildings, even if you can’t get right up close to it.

This view of the White House is one of the most famous images in the world. There is a fair distance between the sidewalk and the White House (as you would expect), but it is not impossible to get great pictures.

If you want to pass off the impression that you are inside the grounds of the White House, find a gap in the fence that is big enough to slip your digital camera through. Taking a picture of the White House straight on can make it look like it leans backward slightly. This is because there are no parallel vertical lines in the historical building.

You can either go with it and enjoy its imperfections or if you want your images to look super fancy, use the lens correction tool in Photoshop to fix this.

If you don’t mind seeing the fencing in your photographs, there are also some awesome images to be captured from Lafayette Park, where you can add stunning seasonal flowers into the foreground, too.

The South Side and E Street

On the south side of the White House, there are lots of trees that line the South lawn, which can be prohibitive to your view. There are, however, 2 walkways on E Street that offer you some excellent photographic opportunities.

You can take images through the fence on the north side of the street, or cross over to include people and bustling street scenes to add a sense of perspective.

Taking a short walk further away from the building itself, the Ellipse offers the opportunity for some excellent shots, and if you are lucky, you may be able to get Marine One in there, too. The base of the Washington Monument on Constitution Avenue offers some interesting viewpoints as well, as it has a slightly elevated position.

When to Take Pictures

Different seasons and times of the day offer different opportunities to capture the perfect picture. During the holiday season, the National Christmas Tree is bright and festive, with the White House providing a beautiful backdrop to great Christmas images, while the gardens around the White House look fantastic in both spring and fall.

Summer is the busiest time of year for visitors, so capturing images without bystanders is nearly impossible, but they can add an extra layer of perspective to your finished shots. Early morning and early evening shots add atmosphere, as the building looks magical lit up at night.

Bottom Line: No matter where you find yourself in the surrounding streets and parklands, you should still be able to take photographs that will keep your memories alive.

George Washington Never Lived There

Although he was responsible for commissioning the construction of the White House, his term ended 3 years before the building work was completed, and a year after he died. He is the only U.S. president never to have lived in the White House during their term in office.

He Was Responsible for the Design of the Oval Office, Though

The Oval Office was first used in 1909, and the oval shape was inspired by Washington’s love of unusually shaped rooms. He was believed to have preferred rounded shaped rooms at his home in Philadelphia, as he felt it made them more suitable for hosting formal gatherings.

The White House Was Built by Slaves

Controversial, but true, White House records show that the house was built by African American slaves who were trained as quarrymen, bricklayers, and carpenters to help complete the building project. This fact was brought to the attention of the American public by former first lady, Michelle Obama.

The White House Had No Electricity for Almost 100 Years

The White House was lit by gaslight right up until 1891 when the electricity system was first installed. The idea of electric lighting was still pretty novel at the time, and President Benjamin Harrison was worried about the dangers of touching a light switch. To protect himself throughout his time in office, he always had someone else switch the lights on and off for him.

It Didn’t Have Indoor Bathrooms for Decades, Either

Indoor plumbing systems were not part of the original design of the White House back in 1800. In fact, it wasn’t until 1833 that any kind of indoor plumbing was installed, and even then, not all of the bathrooms had hot and cold running water until some 20 years later in 1853.

It Was, However, One of the First Accessible Government Buildings

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was responsible for ensuring that the White House was and still is, entirely wheelchair accessible. Having suffered from polio, FDR was paralyzed below the waist and spent his time in office bound to a wheelchair.

Because of this, he took it upon himself to add elevators and ramps throughout the White House, making it one of the first wheelchair-friendly buildings in Washington, D.C. and possibly the U.S.

At Least 10 People Have Died in the White House

With such a high turn over of residents, it should come as no surprise that several people have passed away within the confines of its walls, too. Famous demises include Presidents William Henry Harrison and Zachary Taylor, as well as first ladies Letitia Tyler, Caroline Harrison, and Ellen Wilson, too.

It Is Said to Be Haunted

Many residents, staffers, and guests have all claimed to feel the power of the paranormal during their time at the White House. To this day, rumor has it that the ghost of Abraham Lincoln still walks the hallowed halls and corridors, and there have been many reported sightings of him throughout the house.

There Is a Secret Entrance

The White House has a secret entrance that is only used by the president and secret visitors. This is not unusual in high-profile buildings, but to enter via the secret entrance at the White House, visitors must go through 2 tunnels and an alleyway before reaching the basement.

This intricate entrance system was originally designed during World War II when there was an underground bomb shelter that sat beneath the White House.

There Is Also an Underground Swimming Pool

The White House has an outdoor pool that is enjoyed during warmer months, but it also has an interior pool hidden beneath its floors. First opened in 1933 for use by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the pool still exists today and can be found directly under the Press Briefing Room.

And a Dentist’s Office

If the president suffers from a sudden toothache, a lost crown, or a broken filling, there is a dentist on-site to deal with that. The basement of the White House is home to a dedicated dentist’s office, as well as plenty of other useful services, including a chocolate shop and a florist.

Tom Hanks Gifted Coffee Machines for the Press Briefings at the White House

During a tour of the White House back in 2004, the actor was surprised to see that there were no refreshment services for reporters who attended press briefings at the White House. Hanks immediately sent a coffee machine to be used in the Press Briefing Room and has upgraded the original machine twice since then.

In 2017 he sent a $1,700 espresso machine along with a note that read, “Keep up the good fight for truth, justice, and the American way. Especially for the truth part.”

The White House Nearly Fell Apart

During the Great Depression, there was very little money in the kitty for much-needed maintenance and repairs. Creaking floorboards, a leaking roof, weakened wooden beams, and swaying balconies all put the White House at risk of collapse, but the ongoing damage to the structure was not fully discovered until much later in 1948 when it was fully renovated.

The Current White House Is Not the Original One

During the invasion in 1814, the British burned the White House down, just 14 years after it had been completed. While the modern-day building has stood for hundreds of years, much of the original building was lost to the fire, and the rebuild was not completed until 4 years later.

The West Wing Wasn’t Always There

Home to some of the most famous rooms within the White House, the West Wing wasn’t actually even built until the early 20th century.

In 1902, Teddy Roosevelt called to have an executive office building built alongside the residence. President Taft doubled the wing’s size in 1909, which included the Oval Office, making President Taft was the first-ever president to use it.

It Has Been Home to a Wide Variety of Animals

Each new presidential resident and their families are welcome to bring their pets with them when they move into the White House.

This means that over the years, it has been home to lots of cats and dogs, as well as a variety of more unusual animals. These include a raccoon, opossums, and even a pair of tiger cubs that were gifted to President Van Buren.

It Is Also Home to a 7-Seat Hot Tub

Former President Bill Clinton was gifted a 7-seat hot tub that is installed near the South Lawn next to the swimming pool.

Due to rules and regulations on “gifting” items to members of Congress, the hot tub had to be donated as a legitimate therapy appliance. A spokesperson for President Clinton said at the time that the hot tub did indeed help with his injured knee.

It Wasn’t Always Called the White House

Over the years, the building we know as the White House has had a number of different names. Originally known as the President’s Palace, its name was later changed to Executive Mansion sometime around 1810.

It wasn’t actually until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt officially adopted the name White House and it has been known by that name ever since.

Nothing Comes for Free

It may surprise you to know that even the presidential family doesn’t get fed for free in the White House. While they don’t have to pay rent or bills while they live there, they are responsible for the costs of their personal food, dry cleaning, toiletries, and even the wages for waiters and other members of staff they employ for private events.

These costs are usually just deducted from their salary.

The Famous Resolute Desk Was Found on an Abandoned Ship

The Resolute Desk in the Oval Office was originally part of an abandoned British Navy vessel found off Baffin Island in the Arctic.

When the ship was decommissioned by the U.K., its oak timbers were used to create a desk weighing more than 1,000 pounds that Queen Victoria later gifted to President Rutherford Hayes.

To this day, we still see the presidents sign orders from behind this fabulous piece of furniture.

Many visitors choose to stay close to the White House during their visit. Here are some of the best to choose from.

Willard InterContinental Washington

This historic hotel is located on the world-famous Pennsylvania Avenue and has been a D.C. landmark for over 200 years. Offering executive suites and luxurious guest rooms, this 5-star hotel has stately interiors and is just a short walk the White House itself.

Stay in style surrounded by city or courtyard views, Keurig coffeemakers, and suites with separate living areas, whirlpool tubs, and even their own foyers. All guests are invited to enjoy the use of the beauty and wellness treatments available at the Mynd Spa and Salon.

You can dine at the authentic French brasserie, Cafe Du Parc, or take advantage of the full concierge service who can help you to make the most of your trip to one of America’s oldest cities.

The Hay – Adams

This luxury hotel offers unparalleled White House views from its position on the National Mall, and it is as popular with visitors as it is with Washington, D.C. insiders. Elegant interiors paired with first-class service and facilities make this 5-star hotel one of the most sought after in the city.

Bedrooms are upscale and very well appointed, with many offering fabulous views out across the National Mall. The wood-paneled walls, ornate fireplaces, and chandeliers found in the communal areas give the hotel an incredibly grand feel, and visitors may even recognize The Hay-Adams from television shows, including House of Cards and Homeland.

With a busy bar, a fitness center, and one of the city’s best restaurants all on-site, this hotel offers an authentic taste of upscale D.C.

JW Marriott Washington

Brilliantly located for visiting the White House and numerous other political and cultural landmarks in D.C., this renovated hotel offers luxurious lodgings on Pennsylvania Avenue. This is a modern hotel that has a bright and airy feel, with contemporary bedrooms and plenty of minimalist touches.

Guests love the large windows with fabulous views out across the city, as well as spacious bedrooms and bright and practical communal spaces. The hotel is also home to The Avenue Grill that serves up casual American fare, as well as a lively bar with a daily happy hour and a Starbucks coffee shop. This hotel offers affordable 4-star accommodation in the heart of D.C.

Sofitel Lafayette Square

This glamorous Art Deco style hotel sits just 1 block away from the White House and adds a touch of European flair to this most American of cities. With opulent interiors and seductive French flair, this 5-star hotel is located at the heart of the finest shops, restaurants, and landmarks the city has to offer.

Bedrooms are plush and well-appointed with tall windows and luxury linens, while the communal areas feel decadent. Guests are welcome to enjoy the great-tasting fare at the ICI Urban Bistro or join fellow guests for a cocktail or 2 at the bar. There is also a large basement fitness center, and spa treatments can be ordered to your room.

Club Quarters Hotel

This mid-range hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation just 2 blocks from the White House and right next to Farragut West Metro station, therefore affording easy access to the entire city. Designed very much with business travelers in mind, this hotel offers collaborative workspaces with super-fast Wi-Fi, wireless printing, and Mac and PC workstations.

Bedrooms are bright and airy and offer sleek interiors complete with yoga mats and resistance bands, while suites add kitchenettes and separate living areas. The hotel is also home to the Cafe Soleil that serves up fun, French-inspired food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hot Tip:  Looking for even more hotels? Explore our best hotels in Washington, D.C. to book with points. 

No visit to Washington, D.C. would be complete without a trip to see one of the most famous buildings in the world. Home to presidents for hundreds of years, the city is steeped in history.

If you are lucky enough to secure a place on an official White House tour, you will not be disappointed. But even if you are unable to get inside the building itself, there is still a wealth of attractions, landmarks, exhibitions, and open spaces for you to enjoy in the world-class parks and open spaces around the White House.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i get tickets to visit the white house.

You can get tickets to visit the White House through your member of Congress only. These tickets have to be requested a minimum of 3 weeks in advance and can be requested as early as 3 months prior to your tour date.

Is it free to visit the White House?

Yes, White House tours are free of charge and self-guided. The tours run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. You must request tickets through your member of Congress.

Can you tour the Oval Office?

White House tours do not include the Oval Office and tours of the West Wing are usually reserved for VIPs or guests of the president.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Visiting the White House- How to Get a White House Tour and What to Expect

Visiting the White House is the opportunity of a lifetime. The White House tour is one of my most memorable experiences from all of my trips to Washington, DC. It requires a bit of planning to schedule a tour of the White House. Trust me when I say that it is well worth the effort!

Table of Contents

How to Schedule a Tour of the White House

The National Park Service no longer schedules tours of the White House. Instead, in order to secure a public tour, you must reach out to a Member of Congress ( find your representative here ). Requests must be made at least 21 days in advance, and up to three months out. We suggest submitting your request as early as possible since a limited number of spaces are available.

Tours are typically available from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays excluding federal holidays. The tours are free of charge.

At this time, embassies are not scheduling tours for international visitors.  

After contacting your Congressperson, you’ll receive an email letting you know whether or not there are any White House tours available during your visit to Washington, DC. You will receive an email 2-3 weeks before your requested dates indicating whether or not the date is available.

If there are time slots available during your visit, you are assigned a specific day and time for your White House tour. Weirdly, when we requested our tour we received an email telling us there were no tours available. A couple of days later, I received a second email confirming our visit. At this time, I submitted our social security numbers and full names to the White House.

Once we received clearance, we received a “Boarding Pass” that we had to present to the Secret Service Agents, along with our IDs.

Required Documentation

In order to gain access to the White House, you’ll need to bring a copy of the letter of approval (a digital copy is okay) and a government-issued photo ID.  Acceptable forms of identification include driver’s license, passport, military ID.

Items Prohibited on the White House Tour

• Aerosol sprays
• Bags of any kind (including backpacks, purses, diaper bags, fanny packs, etc).
• Cameras with detachable lenses
• Weapons of any kid
• E-cigarettes, lighters, matches, tobacco products, drugs
• Foods and drinks
• Liquids of any kind
• Monopods & Tripods
• Toy weapons
• Video Cameras
• Pointed objects
• Any item determined to be a potential safety hazard

There are no storage facilities available during the White House tour.  There are also no restrooms available for public use.  We suggest using the restroom at the White House Visitor Center prior to your tour.

So... what can you bring...?

Honestly, you should plan on bringing as little as possible.  We brought our boarding pass, IDs, a credit card, a camera, a metro card, and an inhaler.  

Visitors will have to pass through strict security prior to entering the White House.  You’ll need to present your boarding pass, and ID cards (twice).

• Baby carriers worn on the body
• Breast pumps
• Cell phones
• Compact cameras with lenses less than 3 inches
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• Necessary medications

Remember, there is no storage available at the White House for guests.  If your hotel is nearby, we suggest leaving your belongings in your room.  If your hotel is far away, you can get a locker at Union Station.  The lockers are located near Gate A and are available from 6 am until 10 pm.  You’ll need a photo ID to get a locker.  The cost is $3-6 per hour depending on the size of your bag.

Arriving for the White House Tour

Parking around the White House is limited, so we strongly suggest using public transportation. The White House is easily accessible via the metro.

The closest metro stations are Federal Triangle (Blue/Orange lines), Metro Center (Blue/Orange/Silver/Red lines), and McPherson Square (Blue/Orange/Silver lines).

If arriving via rideshare , use the White House Visitor Center as the drop-off address. The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW.

The White House Tour entrance is located in Sherman Park at 15th Street NW and Alexander Hamilton Place NW.  We suggest stopping by the White House Visitor Center prior to your tour to use the restroom since there are no restrooms available for public use at the White House.

Know Before You Go

• Tours are self-guided and last about 45 minutes.
• Dress for the weather – you’ll need to wait outside until your tour beings.
• Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time . Late arrivals may be turned away.
• A National Park Ranger will help ensure you’re lined up with the proper group and will have Junior Ranger booklets available.
• All guests must be previous registered via the RSVP link provided by the White House (via email).
• No flash photography or videography is permitted (there will be Secret Service agents in every room)
• Although the tour is self-guided, the Secret Service Agents can be a wealth of knowledge about the items found in each room.

What Rooms Will I See on the White House Tour?

Prior to our trip I did a lot of research on what rooms we’d be able to see during our White House Tour.  Every website I checked listed the Blue Room, Red Room, Green Room, the State Dining Room and a view of the White House Rose Garden.

Much to my surprise, we actually got to see additional rooms!  One our tour, we toured both the State Floor and the Ground Floor.  We saw the movie theater, library, the East Room, Vermeil Room, China Room, State Dining Room, Green Room, Blue Room, and Red Room.

The White House tour was interesting.   Walking into the White House, I expected it to be just as opulent as  the Biltmore House and palaces such as the Tower of London and Versailles in Europe.  I was rather surprised to find that the rooms were much less stately.  The vibe felt a little more like going to visit your grandparents house, rather than the head of a country’s home.

That being said, it was really cool being able to marvel at the historical artifacts that decorate the White House.  We got to see Shikler’s portrait of JFK along with other portraits of past presidents, first ladies, and influential Americans like Benjamin Franklin.  It was very cool walking through the halls of the White House and retracing the footsteps of our nation’s leaders.

Secret Service agents are posted in each of the rooms.  Although the tour is self-guided, the Secret Service agents are a wealth of knowledge and will happily tell you about the history of the rooms and even give you the background information the art (and even artists!) and decor in each room.  Don’t be afraid to ask them questions- these ladies and gents are much more approachable than the guards at Buckingham Palace. 

Having the privilege of taking a tour of the White House is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  It is definitely something every American should do at least once in their lifetime!

What is There to do Nearby?

• The White House Visitor Center
• Ford’s Theatre
• National Children’s Museum
• National Archives Museum
• National Portrait Gallery
• National Museum of African American History
• Museum of Natural History
• National Museum of American History
• National Air and Space Museum
• National Gallery of Art
• National Museum of the American Indian
• Library of Congress
•  US Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Washington Monument
• World War II Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial

FAQ About the White House Tour

Can you visit the white house as a toursit.

Yes! You do not need an invitation for the White House tour.  You do, however, need to request a tour via a Member of Congress. 

Who is allowed to take a White House tour?

All U.S. citizens 18 years and older are able to request a tour of the White House.  Visitors 18 and older need to present a valid, government-issued ID.  At the time of publication, only American citizens are able to visit the White House.

Are kids allowed in the White House?

Yes!  This is a great place for kids to experience.  When we visited our twins were 4 and our daughter was 8.  This is a great way for kids to develop background knowledge for things they’ll learn in school!

Fun Fact:   While we were in the White House, we had to remind one of the boys not to touch anything.  In response, he made a face at Ashley behind her back. One of the Secret Service Agents laughed and said, “Man, you should have seen the face he gave you.”

Is there a dress code for the White House?

There is no set dress code for the White House.  Since we were visiting multiple places on the day of our tour of the White House, we wore jeans.

Visitors should plan on waiting in a line outside of the White House, prior to their tour, and should plan to dress for the weather outside.

How long does the White House Tour take?

Since the White House tour is unguided, you can take as much time as you need to see everything.  Most people spend about 30 – 45 minutes.

Can you take photos in the White House?

Photography is permitted so long as it does not interfere with other guests tour experience.  Phones and cameras with lenses no longer than 3 inches are allowed inside the White House.

Can I meet the President on the White House tour?

No, tours are limited to the East Wing.  The West Wing, and the Oval Office, are reserved for VIPs or guests of the President.

Save Our Info on Scoring a White House Tour

For future reference, be sure to save our post on getting a tour of the White House!   Pin one of the images below to Pinterest.  Go ahead and follow 5 Suitcases on Pinterest  while you’re at it!

If you’re planning a trip to Washington, DC, check out our 4 day itinerary and our list of 15 Must See Places in Washington, DC .  

Be sure to give us a like on  Facebook  or follow us on  Instagram   and  Twitter   for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Hello, thank you for the post about how to visit the White House! I was happy to find something beyond just the official government website. When you requested a tour via email, did you have to do anything besides ask? Do they pick and chose based on why a person is visiting? Just wanting to know how much information to put into my email request! Thanks!

Elle MacRae

Hey, Casey! In my initial email, I just sent the dates that we would be in DC and listed the names of each person in my group. Most states will send out a form for you to fill out with any specific information needed.

Dear _____,

My name is _____________. My family will be visiting Washington, DC between _______ and _______. We are interested in touring the White House and hope you could help us facilitate this. The following people will be traveling with me: ________________. Please let me know what further details you need in order to set up a tour during our visit.

Respectfully,

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The White House: Everything You Need to Know About the US President’s Residence

By Elizabeth Stamp

Located at the country’s most well-known address, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave in Washington, DC, the White House is America’s most iconic home. The official residence and office of the president of the United States, the White House has been the home of every president since John Adams and the site of some of the most important events in American history.

Set on 18 acres of land, the White House is made up of the Executive Residence, the East Wing, and the West Wing, with its famous Oval Office. Today, the residence includes six levels with 132 rooms, including 16 family and guest rooms and 35 bathrooms, and is spread over 55,000 square feet. The White House has been home to every president from John Adams to Joe Biden, and it is an enduring symbol of democracy and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, attracting 500,000 visitors annually.

The early history of the White House

President George Washington, who lived in presidential residences in New York and Philadelphia, selected the site of the nation’s capital on the Potomac River for an executive mansion with the help of French architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant, who designed the plan of the city. L’Enfant initially proposed an opulent design for the residence, which would have resulted in a building four times the size of what stands today. He was ultimately dismissed by the three-person committee overseeing the development of the District of Columbia, and his palatial design was abandoned. Instead, Washington and his secretary of state, Thomas Jefferson, decided that the design would be chosen through a national competition.

Jefferson announced the competition—which offered a prize of $500 (or a medal of equal value)—and even reportedly submitted a design himself under the initials “A.Z”. In July of 1792, Irish-born architect James Hoban ’s submission was selected by Washington, and he was hired to build the White House.

The architectural style of the White House

The south façade of the White House

Hoban proposed a Palladian neoclassical design . According to Robert P. Watson’s George Washington’s Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation, Hoban’s design took inspiration from L’Enfant’s design for Federal Hall in New York City, Leinster House (now the seat of Ireland’s parliament in Dublin), and a structure he had seen in architect James Gibbs’s 1728 title, Book of Architecture.

Construction began in October of 1792 with the laying of the first cornerstone. “I think it’s critical to recognize that the initial construction of the White House, as well as other early-19th-century projects, like the reconstruction after the burning of the White House…[relied] on the labor of enslaved people, and these laborers [worked] alongside European craftsmen, wage laborers, and African Americans that [were] free to do this work,” says Sarah Fling, a historian at the White House Historical Association. The building was constructed between 1792 and 1800 using Aquia sandstone from the Government Island quarry (also a supplier of stone for the exterior of the US Capitol), bricks made in kilns near the site, and lumber from forests in Maryland and Virginia.

In 1800, President John Adams and first lady Abigail Adams moved into the still unfinished building on November 1. While it was much smaller than L’Enfant’s proposal, the completed building was still the largest home in the country and would retain that title until after the Civil War. According to the White House Historical Association, the cost of construction was $232,372.

Evolution of the White House

The White House has undergone many renovations throughout its history , starting with Thomas Jefferson, who, along with architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe, added the East and West Colonnades, which now link the East and West Wings with the Executive Residence. The first major renovation of the White House took place during the War of 1812. On August 24, 1814, British troops marched on Washington, DC, and burned the White House, the Capitol, and several other public buildings. Hoban returned to rebuild the residence, and while work was completed in 1817, he continued to work on additions for several more years. In 1824, he added the South Portico for James Monroe, and he constructed the North Portico for Andrew Jackson from 1829 to 1830.

The Green Room in 1956

By Katherine McLaughlin

By Sarah Archer

By Jessica Ritz

“Every president and first lady really leave their mark, whether that means adding new technology, new artwork, or even external changes like a pool or a putting green, but I think in terms of seeing the White House as we know it today, the 1902 renovation by Theodore Roosevelt really brings the White House into the modern era,” notes Fling.

President Theodore Roosevelt hired New York architectural firm McKim, Mead & White to renovate and expand the building. The firm moved the presidential offices to a new building, which would eventually be known as the West Wing. (Roosevelt’s successor, William Howard Taft, would add the Oval Office to the new extension.) Architect Charles McKim repurposed the former offices into more living spaces, stripped away aesthetically disparate elements from previous administrations, and transformed the basement into the ground floor. New reception rooms, a new entry, and a new grand staircase fit with Roosevelt’s intentions for his administration. “You can see through the Roosevelt renovation that he wants the building to reflect the growing influence and power of the presidency at the turn of the 20th century,” says Fling. “The addition of what we know as the West Wing is major. It became one of the most iconic symbols of the presidency. We also see the Roosevelt renovation expand the State Dining Room, which is really important because it shows the growing importance of the US on the world stage in 1902.”

President Harry S. Truman testing out the newly installed bowling alleys in the basement at the White House in 1948

When President Harry S. Truman moved into the White House in 1945, he became concerned about the state of the building. In 1947, a chandelier in the Blue Room almost fell on Bess Truman and her guests from the Daughters of the American Revolution, and in 1948, the leg of Margaret Truman’s piano pierced through the floor of what is now the private dining room. Engineers confirmed that the building was at risk of collapse, and Truman and his family relocated to Blair House, the president’s guesthouse located nearby at 1651 Pennsylvania Ave.

The Blue Room in 1952

The Blue Room decorated for the holidays in 2021

Architect Lorenzo Winslow oversaw the three-year gut renovation, during which the inside of the White House was demolished and completely rebuilt. “The Truman renovation is the largest reconstruction at the White House because of the sheer amount of demolition and reconstruction that you see inside,” says Fling.

First lady Jacqueline Kennedy giving a tour of the White House in 1962

First lady Jacqueline Kennedy began a restoration of the interior decoration of the White House in 1961, with the goal of making the historic building a “living museum.” Kennedy asked esteemed collector Henry Francis du Pont of the Winterthur Museum to lead the project and hired Parisian decorator Stéphane Boudin of Maison Jansen to assist with the interior design. “Everything in the White House must have a reason for being there,” the first lady told Life magazine in 1961. “It would be sacrilege merely to redecorate it—a word I hate. It must be restored , and that has nothing to do with decoration. That is a question of scholarship.” Kennedy showed off the restoration during a televised tour that aired on CBS in 1962.

To ensure that the White House would be protected and preserved in the future, she founded the White House Historical Association in 1961. “We were initially founded by first lady Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961 for the purpose of enhancing understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the White House,” says Fling. “The association’s products fund the acquisition of historic furnishings and artwork at the White House. It assists with the preservation of public rooms and furnishings at the house and also helps to further our educational mission.”

The White House was designated a museum by Congress in 1961. The Committee for the Preservation of the White House, founded by President Lyndon Johnson, approves any changes to the State Rooms of the White House.

The elements of the White House

The Red Room decorated for the holidays during President Obama’s tenure

The central Executive Residence is home to the president’s living spaces and the State Rooms. The ground floor originally housed service areas, but now includes the Diplomatic Reception Room, the White House Library, the Map Room, the Vermeil Room, and the China Room. The State Floor features some of the White House’s most treasured spaces, including the East Room, the Blue, Red, and Green Rooms, the State Dining Room, and the Family Dining Room.

The private residence of the first family is located on the second floor. In addition to the Presidential Bedroom Suite, the second floor includes historic spaces, such as the Queens’ Bedroom, the Treaty Room, the Yellow Oval Room, the Center Hall, and the East and West Sitting Rooms.

The White House’s attic was converted into a third floor during the Coolidge administration, and over the years, it has hosted a music room for President Clinton and a bedroom suite for Melania Trump. There is also a solarium, added by Grace Coolidge, with panoramic views of the Mall.

A small East Wing was first added in 1902 as an entrance to the White House. Today’s structure was built in 1942 and sits atop the Presidential Emergency Operations Center. The two-story East Wing houses the office spaces of the first lady and her staff.

The Oval Office in 2021

The West Wing’s centerpiece is the Oval Office. Each president adds their own personal style to the workspace, choosing artwork from the White House collection or borrowing from museums. Six desks have been used in the Oval Office, the most famous of which is the Resolute desk. Made of wood from the HMS Resolute, the desk is currently in use by President Biden.

First lady Barbara Bush and her dog, Millie, in the White House Diplomatic Reception Room in 1989

The West Wing also houses the Situation Room, the Cabinet Room, the Press Room, and offices for advisors and the chief of staff. Additional offices for the president’s staff are located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The vice president has an office in the West Wing, as well as the ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

President Joe Biden with Vice President Kamala Harris (R) and US representative Maxwell Frost (L), democrat of Florida, in the Rose Garden of the White House in September of 2023

Beautiful landscaping has graced the White House grounds since the administration of Thomas Jefferson. The South Lawn features over three dozen commemorative trees that date back to the 1870s. During the Kennedy administration, Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon redesigned the White House gardens, including the famed Rose Garden outside the West Wing. The East Garden, also redesigned by Mellon, was later named in honor of Jacqueline Kennedy. First lady Michelle Obama added a 1,100-square-foot vegetable garden on the south grounds in 2009.

Interesting facts about the White House

A greenhouse with orchids at the White House, sometime between 1889 and 1906

President Buchanan added a glass conservatory in 1857, and it was expanded throughout the 19th century. “[Conservatories and greenhouses were] very popular in the 19th century, especially among first ladies,” says Fling. “But when we see this 1902 renovation with Theodore Roosevelt, he demolished the conservatory to make room for what we know as the West Wing. So it’s something that’s really popular in the 19th century, but I think hard to imagine for a modern audience, having a full greenhouse on the White House grounds.”

President Gerald Ford in the White House’s outdoor pool in 1975

The White House swimming pool used by Franklin D. Roosevelt

The White House has been home to two swimming pools. “There had been a pool inside the White House added by Franklin Roosevelt that he would use as exercise for his polio, but later, Gerald Ford wanted an outdoor pool,” says Fling. Ford’s pool was built on the South Lawn, and Roosevelt’s indoor pool was covered and turned into a press briefing room.

Princess Diana dancing with John Travolta in the Cross Hall at the White House during an official dinner in 1985

The White House kitchen has the capacity to prepare dinner for 140 guests and hors d’oeuvres for over 1,000.

The residence features a 42-seat movie theater and a tennis and basketball court. The White House bowling alley was given as a gift to President Truman and was later moved to the basement of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

Frequently asked questions about the White House

Early maps referred to the White House as the “President’s Palace,” but in 1810, the building was officially named “Executive Mansion” in order to avoid any connection to royalty. The residence has also been called “President’s House,” or “President’s Mansion.” In 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt changed the official name to “White House,” a moniker that had been used throughout the 19th century.

While George Washington chose the site and design of the White House, he did not ever live in the residence. John Adams was the first president to live in the White House, moving in on November 1st, 1800. The executive mansion has been the official residence of every subsequent president.

Contrary to a popular myth that the building was painted white to hide scorch marks after the fire in 1814, the residence was first painted white in 1798 to protect the exterior from weather damage.

Today, the White House is painted in Duron’s Whisper White. It takes 570 gallons to cover the exterior.

President Bill Clinton’s cat Socks and dog Buddy in the Outer Oval Office in 1998

According to whitehouse.gov , members of the American public can tour the White House by scheduling a visit through their member of Congress. Citizens of a foreign countries can arrange tours through their embassy.

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White House Tours 2024: All the Details You Need Before Going

The most coveted tour in Washington DC is always the White House. It has been the home to 44 different presidents and their families. The White House has been at the center of American History since the beginning.

It’s been burned down, rebuilt and remodel. But one thing is for sure, it will always be a symbol for our nation.

After my third visit to DC, looking upon the White House from outside its gates, I finally got to walk inside and visit the White House and do the full tour experience. I’m sharing with you all the secrets and everything you need to know before visiting.

And a little bit about what they don’t tell you in my White House Tour review.

I have been on the White House tour twice now. One during the Trump Administration and back again with the entire family during the Biden Administration.

Most of the pictures reflect the 2023 adventure, but I’ve included some 2019 visit too to compare.

The White House Tour in 2024

Tours are available in the morning (8:00 AM to 12:30 PM) Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, excluding federal holidays.

Interestingly enough, this used to be Monday – Friday during the previous administration.

Tours are free of charge.

Part One: Odds of getting a White House Public Tour

How to get white house tour tickets.

The White House public tour is one of the most in-demand tours to get in our Nation’s Capitol. Public Tour request must go through your Member of Congress .

A tour request must be submitted up to three months in advance. They must be a minimum of 21 days in advance and no more than 90 days. Officially it’s on a first come, first serve basis.

Here is the kicker: even though you submit a request for a tour of the White House, you may not get in. Even if you do everything right.

And they only confirm your tour tickets a couple of weeks before you arrive. So you’ll have to be flexible in planning your trip.

How to increase your chances of getting a White House Tour?

To increase your chances, request tickets as early as possible. Yes, three months in advance. Most state representatives have a formal process on their website to get your tickets. An intern will be the one taking care of everything for you.

Once the White House gets your request, they will reach out to you to complete an extra screening process. You’ll provide basic background check information for you and everyone in your party. Guest 13 years and older do not need to provide an SSN.

If you are not a US citizen, you can still visit. You need to give your passport details as your ID.

I recommend submitting this as soon as possible. My notice told me I needed to finalize registration by 6 weeks before the tour.

After submitting your request, sit tight. Start planning like you will get in. You will hear back approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the requested tour dates.

One mistake I made was being too flexible in the request. I requested a tour of both the White House and the US Capitol, giving a window of two days. When I got approval for the White House Tour, it was at the same time as my US Capitol Tour.

I was able to reach out to the intern and get my tours rearranged. I can’t say requesting the tours on two separate days would have improved or hurt my chances, but remember this could be a possibility.

Part Two: You’re In, You’ve got your Tour Date, Now What?

What to bring with you to tour the white house.

The White House has some serious rules and regulations around what is allowed inside the White House.

To sum it up, plan on leaving everything at the hotel. Bags, purses, fanny packs, and just about everything you normally carry with you.

On their website, they have an official list. If you have medical-related things, it’s fine… but otherwise, don’t bring them. Wallets and phones are still fine, just not the purse.

You can bring in a compact camera , as long as it doesn’t interfere with the other people on the tour. There is no storage available at the White House to store stuff. That’s why they suggest leaving your belongings in your room.

If your hotel is out of the way, there are lockers at the Smithsonian ’s and the Metro Stations . I also heard that nearby hotels like the JW Marriot will store items for you for a fee.

Camera Restrictions

No small action cameras like a GoPro. No DSLR Cameras with removable lenses.

You can bring in a traditional style pocket camera, like a Canon Power Shot . The lenses cannot extend past 3 inches. Security has a good idea of what’s allowed and what isn’t just by looking at it. They didn’t even question mine.

If you are concerned about what you have, swing by the White House a day or two early and ask some of the secret services offers hanging out around people. You can use your cellphone too.

Actually, they encourage it. I’ll get to that part later. But the camera can only be used for photos, not videos.

The Secret Service has the right to confiscate anything you may bring. So if you get caught misusing it… beware.

I was super paranoid about picture quality. My Canon Power Shot took great pictures and is pocket friendly.

Where to go for Public Tours of the White House?

Your confirmation email provides you with an official map of where to get in line. The tour line starts in the back of the Treasury Department. A group of National Park Service personnel will greet you. 

It’s recommended to line up about 15 minutes before your starting time. Talking with people in line, they did not hold you to that time. It took me about 30 minutes to get through security, so officially I was 15 minutes late for my timed entry.

One copy of the ticket will work for everyone in your group.

Everyone 18 and older will need to present a valid government-issued photo ID upon entering the White House complex. Kids will not need a government-issued photo ID, like adults need. They just need to know their Date of Birth.

We quizzed the kids before to make sure they knew their dates. They both did great!

Make sure to have your ID out until you cross through the second Secret Service personal. They ask for you to present a valid ID multiple times.

PRO TIP: Keep your ID in hand. They ask for it several times.

You will spend a good part of your time in line outside, without shelter. There are some sections that have a tent cover, to give you a break.

They recommend that you’re hydrated before getting there because you cannot bring water in with you. While I agree, don’t overdo it because there are no restrooms available.

Wear sunscreen , coat and take any other precautions you normally would. And dress for the weather. DC heat is relentless in the summer.

Part Three: The Public White House Self-Guided Tour

Where is my tour guide.

The White House tour is all self-guided. This one took me by surprise too.

Before going, download the official app- The White House Historical Association . It walks you step by step through each room on the tour. It also has information about some of the artifacts and key pieces in their collection.

There are also Secret Service agents positioned around the rooms to help answer any additional questions you have.

This took a little bit of time to get used to. In my mind, these people are on duty to protect and serve. Outside the White House during the security process, it was intense.

If you were not where you should be, they are quick to let you know and to keep the line moving. Don’t leave gaps while you take pictures. You didn’t mess around.

But inside, the Secret Service is very friendly. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure we were being watched at all times. But they welcomed questions and were even quizzing each other on the history of the rooms. It was very light-hearted.

Pro Tip: Review the White House App before going. Soak in as much information as possible, so you can use can be in the moment while you are there.

There are also plaques in each room in case you didn’t have your phone or want to follow along.

What will you see on a White House Tour?

Main entrance.

You’ll enter the house through the East Wing door. It’s not flashy, but it does the job.

East Wing Lobby

They call it a lobby, but it was a hallway into the White House. Make sure to check out the photos on the wall. They have historical shots of the presidents through the years.

Family Theater

The Family Theater was created by Franklin D. Roosevelt for viewing wartime newsreels. Since then, First Families have used it as a theater room.

It is also used as a coatroom during large events.

East Garden Room

The Garden Room looks out onto the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden. When Trump was in office, the soccer net was outside. They have since added a lot more flowers.

Ground Floor Corridor

More of just a hallway, the first floor corridor is where you can peek your head into other rooms. But more notably it holds the Baltimore Sheraton Breakfront Bookcase housing some China and other pieces from past presidents.

You’ll also find Michelle Obama, Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton’s Portraits there. Half of the hallways are blocked off as it is access to the West Wing of the White House.

You’ll also find a gift shop. These items are exclusive to the White House and proceeds go to help supporting the building’s preservation.

The Library was built in 1935 and houses more than 2,800 different books representing the best of American history and literature. According to the Secret Service member on site, this is President Bidens favorite room.

Vermeil Room

The Vermeil Room was originally a lady’s sitting room. But after the White House acquired a collection of gold-plated silver or vermeil, it now is the home of those pieces.

The China Room hosts different China from each president and their wives. Like with all of the rooms on this floor, you cannot enter it.

The only way to see some of the pieces is to visit the Smithsonian American History Museum .

After seeing these rooms, you’ll head upstairs.

By far the most intimidating of all the rooms for a few reasons. First, it’s the largest and used for ceremonial events, portrait unavailing, and metal of honor awards. It’s used for presidential funerals and bill signings.

It also includes the portrait of George Washington that Frist Lady Dolley Madison had servants save as they fled the White House when the British invaded in 1814.

While in this room, turn around and take a look at the long hallway. A lot of press conferences are held here. Include the one where President Obama announced the death of Osama Bin Ladin.

Before entering the Green Room, you’ll have the option to go down either side of the rooms. The center is less congested, but you won’t get to see the view outside the windows.

It’s one of my favorite’s views in historic properties, so I recommend doing the second entrance.

The Green Room is used as a sitting room for teas, interviews, and small parties.

The Blue Room is directly across from the front entrance of the White House. It has an Oval Shape, and is used as the official White House Christmas tree in it every year.

When the British burned the White House down in 1817, the furnishing all needed to be replaced. When James Monroe moved in, he brought in the 53-piece suite of furniture made in Paris by Pierre-Antoine Bellange for the Oval Room.

Most of the pieces were sold over the years. Before Jacqueline Kennedy’s restoration project, presidents were responsible for furnishing the house themselves. Thankfully some of these pieces were donated back to the White House.

The Red Room is where smaller gatherings and dinner parties are held. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt held women-only press conferences in this room as well.

State Dining Room

The State Dining Room was Thomas Jeffersons’ office. During Theodore Roosevelt’s time, in 1902 the room was enlarged.

It is the primary place for formal dinners to honor heads of state and other dignitaries. Kings and Queens have dinner here.

The hallways connect the State Dining Room and the East Room. In the hallway, you’ll notice a lot of portraits including John F. Kennedy and Ronald Regan.

Entrance Hall

This is a favorite place to get your photo in the White House. Take it under the presidential seal located above the entrance of the Blue Room.

The Entrance Hall is a place where the President and First Lady have always used to greet guests. A couple of fun things to watch out for are the Steinway Piano and the pictures of George W. Bush and Obama.

There is also a plaque embedded on the floor that most people miss, marking the dates of the construction, and major renovation years the White House underwent. The stars represent the number of states present when the stone was first installed.

North Portico

The North Portico, or the main entrance to the White House, is the most ionic. This is probably the only place you’ll be able to get a shot of the White House without the fence.

Interesting change from my 2019 visit in 2023 the second barricade was removed, and you can now walk right up to the White House fence again. This was a great surprise allowing people to get an undisturbed picture of the Whiteh House between the fence poles.

Why does the White House feel like a museum?

A good chunk of the rooms are blocked off, with the exception of a few that you can walk through a designated path. They don’t want you getting too close to touch anything for obvious reasons. Think of it as a walk through a museum.

Around 1pm, the tours stop and the executive family takes full control of the White House again.

If the family wants to use the room during tour hours, the staff has the ability to close particular rooms or even shut down the tours altogether.

This is part of the reason why they don’t let you know if you’ve been approved until a couple of weeks before your visit.

Additional Tips Before your White House Tour

• If you are unsure at any time in DC or have questions about things, smile at a secret service member, police or anyone nearby. If they smile back, you are good to ask a question. Even silly questions like “What Happened to the Top of the Tree?”
• If you have time, go through the White House Tour app before going on your tour. This way you will have an idea of what to expect and some of the fun facts about the White House before your visit. As someone who spends most of their time using their phone for pictures, I did not want my nose in the phone reading as I entered each room. I also feel that knowing your history before visiting always makes the visit more memorable. Like knowing where the State Dinners are held, and in that room, they hosted Queen Elizabeth and other Dignitaries. It elevates a room from just an old room to a History.
• Do not feel rushed. Yes, you have to be moving in with the flow of traffic. But if you want to get a picture of something, linger a little longer. This is probably going to be the only time you set foot in here again, so make it memorable.
• As always be respectful. It doesn’t matter who holds the office and where you land politically, this is the White House. It’s a symbol of our history. And one thing I appreciated on my tour was that everyone left politics aside. There were no MAGA hats. There was no one talking in favor or against the current president’s politics. They were just excited about getting to walk through the gates.
• When you walk outside the front doors of the White House, don’t be afraid to look back. It’s going to be one of the best views you’ll get from the White House.

Part Four: What if I don’t get in?

If you get the rejection letter, don’t worry. Chances are they had too many requests. Try again on your next visit.

The White House Visitor Center

Stop by the White House Visitor Center and see a lot of the historical pieces and learn more about the White House.

Do a Virtual Tour

Download the WH Experience virtual tour and walk through each of the rooms on your smart phone.

Take a walk around the White House. It’s an experience all on its’ own. Around 7 am during the week, you will have an unobstructed view of the White House.

You will have to stay a block away from the White House on each side and in the back. You can walk on Pennsylvania Ave in front.

As it gets later in the day, you’ll be dealing with tour groups, protesters, and preachers broadcasting in front. It can get intense.

Consider taking a walking tour of the great architecture around Washington DC. There is a great Federal Triangle Architecture Tour , led by a local guide. You’ll start in front of the White House neighborhood and then move down Pennsylvania Avenue, learning about the history of the town.

Check out some other free things to do in DC

• Tips for Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington DC
• Getting Around Washington DC on a Budget with Public Transportation
• Watching Millions of Dollars Flyby at the Bureau Of Engraving And Printing
• An Unforgettable Self Guided Bike Tour Of DC Monuments at Night

Recommended Reading

Before you go, I recommend brushing up on your White House Facts. There is no shortage of great books on the topic from all different points of view. Politics aside, here are my favorite recommendations.

• Inside the White House: Stories From the World’s Most Famous Residence . This book has interesting stories for the First Families through the ages. Including great images from their time. It’s a great way to give you a sense of what to expect and the events that happened here.
• The Hidden White House: Harry Truman and the Reconstruction of America’s Most Famous Residence . Dealing with one of the biggest crises to happen to the White House in recent day, find out what went into the biggest renovation in the Houses history.
• The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House . Told from the perspective of a White House usher, this book brings new insight into what it’s like to live inside these walls. It’s my favorite book in the collection because it tells one person’s story.
• Politics aside, Becoming by Michelle Obama . The book gives a lot of insight into what it’s like navigating raising children inside the Whitehouse.

other Questions about the White House Tour

How far in advance should i book a tour of the white house.

White House Tours should be reserved three months in advance and as late as three weeks beforehand. The earlier you book, the better chance you’ll get in.

How hard is it to get White House tour tickets?

White House Tour Tickets are easy to get, as long as you do some advanced planning. You can request tickets from a member of congress, at least three weeks in advance. Both U.S. Nationals and Foreign visitors can visit the White House.

What kind of tours can you do when visiting the White House?

The White House has one type of tour available to the public. It’s a self-guided tour of the first and second floors of the building. It includes all the formal reception rooms. Private facilities and the executive wings are not included. 

Is White House tour worth it?

The White House tour is worth it, if you enjoy American history. You’ll enter rooms and stand where kings and queens have stood. You’ll be walking through history. From the architecture and artwork, you’ll be amazed. The White House is a historic and iconic symbol of the United States and is a must-see tour.

Would I do a tour of the White House Again?

Entering the White House was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had. I’d definitely do it again. I got the opportunity to visit during two different presidencies. One thing that’s nice to see, is much of the house stays the same. But it’s nice to see how the current president makes minor changes to give it their own feel.

White House tours are free. The public with a house tour has a limited number of spaces are available. Tours fill up quickly so you’ll need to request your tickets as soon as possible.

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Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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How to Visit the White House

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I’ve been traveling to Washington, D.C. almost every week for work for the past three months. A couple weeks ago, on my last day in the D.C., I finally got to visit the White House!

It was the perfect way to end my time in D.C. and I highly recommend that anyone visiting D.C. comes to the White House.

However, visiting the White House is not a very simple or straightforward process, which is why I’ve written this guide to help you plan your visit!

How to Request a Tour of the White House

Tours of the White House are free and self-guided.

The first thing you will need to do is submit a tour request through your congressional representative. You can click here to look up who your representative is.

You can request a tour up to three months in advance, and no later than 21 days in advance (although I actually did not make my request until 17 days before my tour date and was still able to visit.)

Tours occur Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (excluding federal holidays.)

The more flexibility you have in your schedule, the better chance you have of getting a tour. Try to request as early as you can because dates fill up quickly on a first come, first served basis.

My tour was on a Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m.

Once your request has been submitted, you will receive an email (NOT a confirmation of your tour) and you will need to register all your guests who are attending.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can request a White House tour by contacting your country’s embassy in D.C.

Getting Confirmed for Your Tour

Once your tour request has been submitted, you can expect to receive confirmation two to three weeks before your tour date.

It personally took eight days for me to receive confirmation for my tour (which was a little over a week before my tour date.)

In your confirmation email, you will receive instructions about the tour, including a “Boarding Pass” that you must print before your tour and bring with you.

What to Bring to the White House

Here’s what you CAN bring to the White House, according to the official government website:

• Valid government-issued ID such as driver’s license or passport (you need to bring this if you are 18 and over)
• Cellphones (still photography IS allowed, just no video or streaming)
• Small cameras with a lens less than 3 inches long
• Umbrellas without metal tips
• Any items needed for medical purposes

And here’s what you CAN’T bring to the White House:

• Video cameras, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, iPads, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks
• Any kind of bag (no purses, backpacks, camera bags, clutches, etc.)
• Food and beverages
• Any type of weapon

See the full list right here.

Basically, just bring as little with you as you can (phone and ID) and leave the rest at your hotel!

What’s on the Tour?

The self-guided tour starts in the East Wing of the White House, which is where the visitor’s reception area is. You will walk through the East Colonnade and East Garden Room before arriving in Center Hall.

From there, you can see the following rooms on the ground floor of the White House:

• Vermeil Room
• The Library

Then you can go upstairs and walk through the following rooms:

• East Dining Room
• State Dining Room

You finish in Cross Hall (the perfect place for a photo op in front of the Blue Room!) and the Entry Hall, then exit out to Lafayette Square.

There are Secret Service agents posted in every room who are there to answer any questions you might have about the White House and its history.

Can You Tour the West Wing?

The West Wing of the White House, home to the famous Oval Office and Situation Room, is not part of the public self-guided tour.

Tours of the West Wing are typically reserved for VIPs and your best bet of getting one is knowing someone who works in the White House.

White House Christmas Tour

Christmas is one of the most popular times of the year to visit the White House, due to its fantastic Christmas decorations!

There are themed Christmas trees in almost every room, along with plenty of other holiday decorations.

Unfortunately, I was about a week too early to see the Christmas decorations, but if you’re visiting after Thanksgiving and before the second week of January, you should be able to see them.

How to Get to the White House

If you aren’t staying within walking distance of the White House, you can take the Metro. The closest stations are Federal Triangle, Metro Centre, and McPherson Square.

There’s no public parking at the White House, but you may be able to find paid parking nearby.

The visitor’s entrance to the tour is on 15th Street at Hamilton Place. Plan to arrive 15 minutes in advance for your tour and dress for the weather because you will have to spend some time waiting outside.

Miscellaneous Thoughts and Impressions

• I didn’t bring my DSLR camera to the White House because it has a detachable lens. If you have a DSLR, you will want to leave it behind and rely on your cellphone camera or a camera with an attached lens instead.
• My tour was at 7:30 a.m. before I went to work for the day. I was surprised by how quickly I went through the tour. Altogether, I was only inside for under half an hour. Of course, you could spend longer if you wanted to.
• You will end up waiting outside for probably 15 to 20 minutes, so be sure to dress for the weather! On my tour day, it was quite cold in the morning and I saw some people who looked like they were freezing.
• I was surprised by how “plain” a lot of the White House is, at least compared to extravagant residences like Versailles. The interior of the White House is understated and elegant.
• Talk to the Secret Service agents! They can answer almost any question you have about the White House and its history, and they are stationed in every room on the tour.
• There is a visitor’s center outside the White House that you can visit when you’re done with your tour. It’s also a good alternative if you aren’t able to schedule a tour.

I hope you found this guide on how to visit the White House helpful!

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About Denise Cruz

Denise is a marketing executive who escaped corporate to travel the world… twice. A Brazilian native living in the U.S., she’s lived in 4 countries and visited 35+ others. After side-hustling her way to financial independence, she curates solo destination guides, slow travel tips, and travel blogging advice on Wander Her Way. When she’s not on the road, you can find her in Miami with her dog Finnegan.

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

White House Public Tour Tickets

This post is an article on how to get White House tour tickets, plus tips for planning your visit, such as tips for dealing with security.

How to apply for tickets is a common question from visitors on our walking tours.

However, if you are asking one of our tour guides after arriving in Washington, DC, you are definitely too late.

So, we've created this post to help you secure tickets plus plan your visit, both before and after your tour.

The White House is open to public tours usually from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Tuesday-Saturday, except for Federal Holidays.

Reservations must be arranged in advance.

It is hard to get a White House tour but the further in advance you request and the more flexibility you offer in dates, the better your chances.

These are to tour the main building, West Wing tours are a different experience and even harder to get tickets. I was lucky enough to get a West Wing tour if you want to see photos!

There is no cost to tour the White House, but you will need to apply for free tickets. Both U.S. nationals and foreign visitors can tour the White House.

To visit the White House, it's important to know that you must  reserve your tickets in advance ,   MONTHS in advance. 

You can submit a request for White House tours up to 3 months in advance and must do so no later than 3 weeks.

Don’t apply early or late or you risk having your request automatically denied.

You can increase your odds of getting a White House tour by requesting a reservation as soon as you possibly can.

For U.S. citizens and residents, requests must go through the office of the Member of Congress for your district ( find your Member here ).

If you are coming during the peak tourism seasons of March-April or June-August, we recommend closer to the 3-month mark.

The White House only accepts requests between 21-90 days before your requested dates.

If you are from a foreign country, you are advised to go through your embassy in Washington D.C. Not all embassies will be interested or helpful in the request.

However, nothing stops you from requesting a tour through any Member of Congress.

There is no real requirement that you be a resident of their district or state to do so. Therefore, it's worth a try.  

Most will ask you for contact information at home and during your stay in DC, dates available for tours, and the total number of persons in your group.

You'll also be required to provide information for security clearance, including:

• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number (only U.S. residents 18 and older)
• Citizenship
• City, State of Residence

How long before I hear back about my White House request?

Typically, once you have submitted your visitor info, you will receive an email two weeks before your requested dates informing you if you were selected for a tour.

If you do NOT get approved, the communication varies and depends. Some people have gotten rejection letters and some have just never heard back.

Assume if you haven't heard back a few days prior to your trip that you were not approved.

You can also visit the White House Visitor Center . It's actually a few blocks from the White House, but it's a great alternative to interior tours.

You can always see the White House from the street, as well.

There are a number of great views of the White House that we talk about - but the closest is from Pennsylvania Avenue NW by Lafayette Square.

But, if you are accepted, then read on for tips on planning your trip.

• Plan Your Visit
• Virtual Tour
• Visitor Center
• Things to Do in DC
• Free Tours by Foot

PLAN YOUR VISIT

In this section, we go over where to enter the White House grounds, how to get there, as well as security and prohibited items . 

WHITE HOUSE TOUR ENTRANCE

We strongly recommend using our Google Maps for directions to the tour entry point . 

There is no White House Metro Station.

The closest metro stop to the tour entrance is Metro Center ( red , orange , blue, and silver lines ) (take the 13 th Street exit), which is just a 7-minute walk.

When you come up the escalators, you will be facing 13th Street.

Take 13th Street southbound (downhill) and make a right turn on E Street and proceed straight until you reach 15th Street.  

McPherson Square Metro station ( orange , blue, and silver lines)  is also close to the White House.

Public transportation is recommended for reaching the White House.

If you must drive, you can find a parking spot at a nearby garage through a service called SpotHero .

This website allows you to reserve guaranteed parking spots ahead of time, often for a cheaper price than the garage itself would charge.

If you've been granted a tour, you need to arrive before your meeting time at the visitors' entrance.

Note: This is NOT at the Visitor Center.

Click here for a 360-degree view .

The tour lines up along 15th Street NW on the west side of the street by the William Tecumseh Sherman Statue.

It's across the street from where Pennsylvania Avenue NW dead-ends at 15th St NW.

You'll check in with the National Park Service Park Ranger standing guard outside the temporary fence.

There is no specific street address or sign - you just have to know you're in the right place, but since there is often a line it should be easy to spot.

You can click on the 360-degree view to familiarize yourself with the surrounding area. 

SECURITY AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

Security is a concern everywhere in Washington, but nowhere more than in the White House.

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID or passport to gain entry into the White House for every member of your group. Foreign nationals must use their passport.

You will have to stand in line for security, so make sure to arrive at least half an hour before your tour time. (longer in peak seasons, or with a group).  

WHITE HOUSE DRESS CODE

There is no dress code to tour the White House, but due to the importance of the building, you should want to dress neatly.

The list of what you can’t bring into the White House is extensive:

• no video devices; video cameras including any action camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods, and camera sticks are not permitted. Video recording is not permitted.
• no strollers.
• no food, beverages, tobacco products, liquids, gels, or lotions.
• no guns, firearms, knives, other sharp objects, martial arts equipment, etc.
• no purses, backpacks, handbags, etc.   * If you need a place to store these kinds of items, some nearby hotel concierges may be willing to store the bags for a small fee.

The list of things you can bring to the White House is not extensive:

• umbrellas 

Cameras are now permitted on tour!

Smartphones and compact cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches (stills only) are permitted on the public tour route as long as their use does not interfere with other guests’ enjoyment of the tour. 

Flash photography or live streaming as well as talking or texting on cellular phones is not permitted while on the tour.

Where can I leave the rest of my belongings while I tour the White House?

If you can't leave your belongings at your hotel, then consider storage facilities.

For $6/bag for up to 24 hours, you can store your bags in nearby stores, souvenir shops, and even other hotels.

Once you are inside, the tour is self-guided and will take about half an hour.

NOTE: There are no restrooms on the White House tour.

Though the White House has 132 rooms in total, you are only shown through several rooms that they use for entertaining. 

You will NOT see the family living quarters, the Oval Office, or the West Wing ( read about my experience of the West Wing tour! ) So, don't expect to meet President Joe Biden on your White House Tour.

Small tip: there are secret service agents in every room, you can interact with them and ask them questions, they are usually really nice and very informative.

After you line up along 15th Street, you'll have your reservation checked and then line up again for an ID check.

You'll cross a street and then have your ID checked again.

All of these checks are outdoors so keep that in mind when preparing for your visit - you're outside for around 30 minutes before your tour.

You then go through security to enter the East Wing of the White House.

What Will I See on a Public Tour of the White House?

The tour is self-guided though there are occasionally guards who can answer some questions.

Each room has a placard or two explaining what you're seeing with some information.

The tour is self-paced and you can go back if needed to previous rooms, but you will not be able to exit the building and reenter.

You will see the East Garden from the hallway, the movie theatre, the China Room, the Vermeil Room, the East Room, the Green Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, and the State Dining Room.

Throughout you'll also see a number of presidential portraits.

There is a gift shop inside the White House that sells the famous White House Christmas ornament and many other items from the White House Historical Association.

You'll exit the White House from what used to be the primary entrance facing the North Lawn and exit out the gates by the Lafayette Statue.

Will I See the President on a White House Tour?

You are unlikely to meet the President or First Lady on the White House tour, but you never know who you might see at the White House complex, including cabinet members or prominent visitors.

VIRTUAL TOURS OF THE WHITE HOUSE

These videos offer virtual tours inside various parts of the White House that you do not get to see on White House public tours.

Inside the Residence

Tour of the West Wing

Video Tour of the Situation Room

Learn About the West Wing Marines

Watch Marine One Land on South Lawn

You will see many helicopters during your visit to Washington, D.C. and they usually won't be transporting the President.

Most of the helicopters fly along the National Mall - over the Tidal Basin and Potomac River.

When you see three helicopters fly across the National Mall, right past the Washington Monument (that is why there are the red flashing lights on the top), one of those is Marine One.

So how do you watch Marine One take off/land?

For advance planning, you can keep an eye on the President's Schedule. It will give an approximate time when the president departs the South Lawn.

Keep in mind, it sometimes is early or late and they don't give any warning!

Marine One is often used to transport the President to Joint Base Andrews to board Air Force One.

If you're already in the area, you might notice some of the ways they prepare for Marine One:

• Snipers are always on the roof of the White House, but when the President is leaving the White House, you'll also see them on the corners of area buildings.
• Two decoy/escort helicopters will accompany Marine One but not land. You will always see a group of three helicopters.
• The walkway to the South Lawn fence is closed. While you're normally can walk right up to the South Lawn fence, they won't let you get that close when Marine One is landing.

Where to stand to watch Marine One land?

The best place to watch Marine One land if you want to be as close as possible is on the south side of the White House, an area called The Ellipse.

Normally, the circular sidewalk that forms the ellipse is open to the public but when the President is leaving - the side closest to the White House is closed.

You can, however, walk directly on the grass to the center of the Ellipse.

If you line yourself up with the Washington Monument behind you and the White House South Lawn Fountain in front of you, the helicopter will fly right over your head!

If you want to watch Marine One with some DC landmarks in the frame, stand at the WWII Memorial, facing the Washington Monument.

The three helicopters will fly in front of the Washington Monument lining up for a great photo op.

What kind of helicopter is Marine One?

Officially, any helicopter that the President is on is Marine One.

That is the call sign for any USMC aircraft that has the President on board, just like Air Force one denotes whatever plane is carrying the President.

It is usually operated by Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1 "Nighthawks"), only four pilots have this honor every year.

The type of helicopter is often a VH-3D Sea King:

or the VH-60N "WhiteHawk"

Marine One helicopters have standard military anti-missile countermeasures, and ballistic armor and can continue to fly even if it loses one of the three engines.

It can fit 14 passengers but is quiet enough that the President can use a normal tone of voice on his secure line to the White House.

NOTE: A few times a year when the President is out of the country, you will see a helicopter take off and land on the South Lawn on repeat for about half an hour - this is training!

The President isn't actually on the helicopter - but your Instagram followers won't know that!

THE WHITE HOUSE VISITOR CENTER:

After an extensive revamping, the White House Visitor Center is now open again to the public.  

Read our overview of the museum and visitor center for more information.

The restoration work took over 2 years and cost $12.5 million, much of which came from private donations through the White House Historical Association.

There are over 90 new artifacts on display, many of which have never before been on display.

Some of our favorites are the desk that Franklin Delano Roosevelt sat at when he delivered his famous fireside chats and a scaled model of the White House.

Within the White House Visitor Center, you can watch a 14-minute film that takes you inside the White House and the lives of the First Families. 

Allow anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour for your visit here.

VISITOR TIP : The White House Visitor Center has a great gift shop. There is also a gift shop at 701 15th St NW called White House Gifts. Here can take a photo of yourself sitting behind a replica of the Presidential desk in the Oval Office!

Related Content:

• How to Get Tickets to the Washington Monument
• How to Tour the U.S. Capitol Building
• Can I tour the FBI Building?
• Watch Marine One Land on the White House Lawn
• White House Garden Tours
• White House Christmas Tours
• Easter Egg Roll

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Request tickets now: How to visit the White House at Christmastime

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

We have a long (and always growing) list of trips we want to take, from which we create and build our travel dreams. One dream that had been shining at the top of the list for quite some time was a Christmas visit to the White House. We love the holidays, and -- politics and partisanship aside -- admire the elegance and importance of the White House. We knew visiting while it is decked in its holiday finest would be a memorable treat.

But, as we have discovered in the past, wanting to visit the White House and getting to visit the White House are two very different things. Before we get to the holiday magic we saw inside The People's House, let's look at what it takes to get in the door.

How to visit the White House

To arrange a White House visit , you need to contact the office of your congressional representative. Requests can be submitted up to three months in advance of your anticipated travel dates, which means you may be booking your trip to DC before you know if you will get approved for a White House visit. However, the sooner you apply the better, because the tours only allow a limited number of people each day. If you want to take a tour at Christmastime, send in your request in September.

Your chances of securing a tour spot will be better if you can designate multiple days on your trip when you would be available for a tour. Once the request is submitted by the office of your representative, White House Tours will contact you for security information. Unfortunately for advance planners, the outcome of your request won't be known until 10 to 14 days before your date(s). If the White House visit is only a part of a planned DC visit, then it may not be a big deal. But if a White House tour is the sole or primary reason for your trip, that late notice could create some last-minute adjustments to your plans. Tours are typically scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tours are free, but subject to change due to White House scheduling and events that cannot be foreseen.

Planning our holiday White House visit

The official White House Christmas tree is usually delivered the day after Thanksgiving, when decorating the property for Christmas is in full swing. The seasonal décor is ready for public viewing a few days after Thanksgiving. Our request for a Christmastime tour was submitted on Sept. 10 for a Dec. 11, 12 or 13 visit. We found out via email on Friday, Nov. 30 that we were approved and accepted for our visit.

With that approval in hand, we found a cheap Spirit Airlines flight into Baltimore for $64. Normally, we would have used 5,000 Spirit miles to cover the fare, but because we were so close to our travel date, reward booking fees were more than the actual cost of the flight, so that strategy didn't work. Thankfully, there are plenty of affordable hotels in Baltimore using points or cash. Since we arrived pretty late in the evening, we just booked a decent cash rate at the Aloft BWI Baltimore Airport and rested for the night. The same hotel (a Category 3 Marriott property) can be booked for 17,500 Marriott points.

Once we headed to Washington, DC, we stayed at to the Hyatt Place White House, which we have visited in the past. It is within easy walking distance to the White House, includes free breakfast and only costs 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night. The nearby Grand Hyatt Washington is also a good choice at 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night, especially if you have access to its club lounge (which our daughter, Mommy Points, has scored for us on some trips). Either could be booked with a Hyatt Category 1–4 award from the World of Hyatt Credit Card, though we just used points earned from that card on this trip.

To avoid spending extra time, money and an additional night in the DC area, we ponied up $200+ each for a United nonstop evening flight home from Washington National directly to our home airport in Houston. It wasn't a great deal financially, but maximized our time and energy during the busy holiday season.

Visiting the White House at Christmas

As the precious few days passed from our approval to our departure, we held our breath that our tour would not be affected by a Christmas cancellation. Even as we approached the tour entrance, we kept one eye out for unusual Secret Service movement and the other eye scanning our phone looking for breaking news that might bear bad tidings. Fortunately, we were greeted by an open gate and a welcoming gesture and into the line we went.

The Secret Service officer checked our IDs and cross-checked the master list to verify if we were indeed on "the nice list." Three additional screenings later and we were ready to enter the White House.

The tour enters from the East Wing, where we passed through a hallway that led to the first of many grand Christmas trees. The initial tree was dedicated to the Gold Star families of our armed forces and was decorated in red and blue ribbons and rich gold ornaments.

As we turned the corner, we came up the East Colonnade, which was lined on both sides with bright red berry trees of varying heights naturally lit by the multiple large windows that look out into the Kennedy Garden. The trees had received some unfavorable reviews when first introduced, and we were curious as to what our impression would be in person. When standing in front of the trees, we found them to be colorful, festive and appropriate for the season. A muted green carpet provided a seasonal balance to the somewhat narrow walkway. Judging by the number of photos being taken of the trees, they seem to be a hit with the crowd. Fortunately, cameras (with some limitations) are permitted on the White House tour.

The next interesting encounter was the display of official White House Christmas cards from presidents over the past 91 years. Sixteen administrations were covered; their choices reflected not only each president's personal style and attitude, but also graphically illustrated the number of Christmases each experienced as the leader of our country. Eisenhower, Reagan, Bush 43, Clinton and Obama all had eight cards. Johnson and Nixon had five, Carter and Bush 41 had four, Ford had three, Kennedy only two and Trump also had two. We found this exhibit to be a poignant and educational history lesson with a direct seasonal correlation.

After this point we physically entered the White House proper and enjoyed rooms with familiar names: the China Room, the Vermeil Room and the Library. Of these three, the Library was my personal favorite. The room emitted a warm and comfortable glow, and one could easily imagine a classic Christmas carol playing quietly in the background.

Next, we ascended to the state floor via a significant wooden stairway to the East Room, the largest and most utilized room in the Executive Mansion. It has been the site of press conferences, Medal of Honor presentation ceremonies, entertainment, weddings, funerals and even a senior prom. Large chandeliers, grandiose garlanded mirrors and gold-hued drapes elegantly highlighted the room while two 14-foot fir trees flanked a traditional Nativity scene that was in its 51st year of display. The East Room traditionally is quite spacious and open with few furnishings.

After exiting the East Room, the famous Red, Green and Blue rooms were only steps away. The Green Room now serves as a parlor for small receptions. Its decorative theme for the holidays illustrated and highlighted the great work ethic of American farmers and the fruits of their labor. Harvested produce, grains and nuts were found in the garland on the mantle, the boughs of the tree and as accents on the tables.

The oval-shaped Blue Room is an elegant, handsome and inviting space that most would love to have in their own homes. It occupies the center of the White House, and its windows look out onto the South Lawn and toward the Washington and Jefferson monuments. The Blue Room is often used by the president to receive guests, but during Christmastime, this room proudly plays host to the official White House Christmas tree. When viewing the White House from outside, the 18-foot North Carolina-grown Fraser fir is easily seen through the South Portico.

The Blue Room just feels like what I think of when I envision the best of America, and the tree there was decorated to enhance this ambience. A long continuous blue velvet ribbon curled itself throughout the tree with the names of all the states and territories proudly embroidered with a rich gold thread. Red and gold ornaments filled the green branches that reached toward and touched the ornate ceiling medallion.

(As an aside, the Blue Room, due to its shape and position in The White House, might lead an outsider to assume this is where the Oval Office must be located. In reality, the Oval Office is not in the White House proper, but down in the West Wing in an area not visible to the public.)

The Red Room's bold color grabs your total attention as you enter its doorway. The centerpiece tree was adorned with ornaments depicting popular activities of American youth ranging from sports to drama to music. The contrast of the white Italian marble fireplace and mantle with the red, green and white garland spray was simply stunning and, in keeping with the spirit of the tree, fun.

A meal is sadly not included in the White House tour, but, if it was, the State Dining Room would be the logical place for it to be served. It can accommodate over 100 guests, but my blue jeans likely would have needed a serious upgrade. Eagles support the furniture and topped the trees in homage to one of our national symbols. A large edible gingerbread creation sat under one of the classic White House mirrors and depicted famous monuments and structures on the National Mall. The piece was made with almost 400 pounds of ingredients by the pastry team.

And, if the White House had not already impressed you enough with its Christmas trappings, when we passed the Kennedy portrait into the Entrance and Cross halls, we came upon an indoor forest of Christmas treasure.

Thousands of red ornaments lined the hallway and graced the trees' deep green branches. The scene was so rich with Christmas spirit that we fully expected Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney to come out from behind the trees singing "White Christmas" at any second. The projected light on the ceiling added sparkle and pizzazz to a room that was already a full holiday palette. The presidential seal rising above the multilayered décor was a popular photo op for all.

This space was about 2,500 square feet of elegance and color. It was hard to absorb it all in the time allotted, but easy to love. We were the last two to leave for the day, and we lingered and looked as much as we could. We could have easily spent longer reflecting on all we had seen, but the business of the White House had to go on.

It was such a privilege and thrill to tour "The People's House" at Christmas. Even though we are very common people, we felt special because we had this opportunity. It was a great Christmas gift, indeed.

Other holiday sights in Washington, DC

The White House tour was the reason for the trip, but since we were there, we also took full advantage of some other DC Christmas traditions and offerings that we would recommend to others, including visiting the trees at the US Capitol, the Supreme Court and Union Station.

The United States Botanic Garden had a beautiful display of scale model monuments made entirely of plant material. The same artistic skill and methods were used to build the famous American train depots that were central to the garden's themed "All Aboard" model train exhibit.

We spent part of one evening at the National Christmas Tree located on The Ellipse between the White House and Washington Monument. The tree is surrounded by 56 smaller trees that border a winding walkway and represent each state and territory. Trains are also an integral part of the National Tree display, with multiple sets surrounding the tree's base. Live entertainment is frequently offered, and at dusk, the atmosphere is magical as the red and green lights of the tree glow in the foreground with either the lights of the White House or the evening sky in the background.

Overall, we were blessed with good weather, grand sights and memorable moments. We departed for the trip full of Christmas spirit and came back with even more.

And as an epilogue, our congressman was, coincidentally, on our Thursday evening flight home and our window seat paid dividends as we witnessed two shooting stars as we looked to the north. Or perhaps it was Santa making some practice runs before the big day? Anything is possible.

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Even if you need to check out of your hotel room due to your not being able to come back before check out time, you an still check out of the hotel and leave your bags at the hotel. They'll just charge you a few bucks and hold them in the luggage room for you.

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Kim Kardashian meets with VP Kamala Harris to talk criminal justice reform

WASHINGTON — Kim Kardashian joined Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Thursday to discuss criminal justice reform and President Joe Biden 's use of pardons and clemency . 

The reality TV star and businesswoman, who has used her platform to draw attention to individual inmates she feels were wrongfully convicted , joined Harris, four people who received pardons from the Biden administration on Wednesday, and Steve Benjamin, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, for a roundtable event.

Kardashian's visit to D.C. comes during the same week Biden pardoned 11 people convicted of non-violent drug charges and commuted the sentences of five others he deemed worthy of "the chance at building a brighter future for themselves beyond prison walls."

"I am super honored to be here to hear your stories today and I think it's so important to share them and amplify them because there are so many people that are in your position that could use the inspiration," Kardashian told the recently pardoned recipients attending the event: Beverly Holcy, Jason Hernandez, Bobby Darrell Lowery, and Jesse Mosley. "I'm just here to help and spread the word."

During her remarks, Harris confirmed the finalization of a Small Business Administration rule she first announced in January, which removes most restrictions on loan eligibility based on a person’s criminal record. 

"We have convened today to talk about the power of individuals — when supported by community, by society — the power they have to do extraordinary things that benefit all kinds of people," Harris said. "Reducing that restriction is going to mean a lot in terms of second chances and the opportunity for people to excel."

Trump hush money trial live updates: Who is David Pecker? What to know about the witness

The annual event, which takes place in April, aims to highlight how government and service providers can "build meaningful second chances for people returning from incarceration," according to the U.S. Department of Justice. 

"During Second Chance Month, we recommit to building a criminal justice system that lives up to those ideals so that people returning to their communities from jail or prison have a fair shot at the American Dream," Biden said in a proclamation released by the White House. 

Last month, Harris convened a separate roundtable on marijuana reform featuring pardon recipients, rapper Fat Joe, and other politicians.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said the roundtable aimed to highlight Biden’s commitment to “second chance” policies. During his administration, Biden has commuted the sentences of 122 people and granted pardons to 20 others who committed non-violent drug offenses. 

“Many of you had heard me say it. I just don’t think people should have to go to jail for smoking weed,” Harris said.

Thursday’s roundtable discussion was not the first time Kardashian visited the White House. In 2020, she  met with former president Donald Trump to thank him for commuting the sentences of three women and discuss change she said the U.S. justice system “desperately needs.”

"It was actually in this very room that I was in years ago, my first clemency meeting, that really inspired me to take a journey," Kardashian said. "I didn't know a whole lot, and I was inspired to go to law school and really further my education to see what I can do to help."

"The Kardashians" star has also gotten involved in the cases of some convicted celebrities. In 2020, she called for the early release of Corey Miller , a rapper who she believes was wrongfully convicted of murder. In 2019, she brought rapper A$AP Rocky , who a Swedish court found guilty of assault, to Trump's attention. 

Around the same time, Kardashian released a documentary called "The Justice Project" centering around her criminal justice reform work and announced she had passed the "baby bar" exam.

Rachel Barber is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on politics and education. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @rachelbarber_  

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White House visitor logs contradict Biden spokesman's vow to ban DC official who praised notorious antisemite

'i love you more than words will ever say,' cora masters barry told louis farrakhan.

DA's staffer who praised Louis Farrakhan on leave after antisemitic remarks

An official in the Suffolk County District Attorney's office was placed on leave after revelations he made antisemitic comments in a 2016 podcast interview.

FIRST ON FOX: A Washington, D.C., official has visited the White House twice since a spokesperson for President Biden said she wouldn't be invited back after she praised noted antisemite Louis Farrakhan, Fox News Digital has learned. 

Cora Masters Barry, who was appointed CEO of the city's Recreation Wish List Committee, delivered remarks in mid-2022 praising Farrakhan as a "friend" and "member of the family," adding, "I love you more than words will ever say." 

Shortly after her comments, White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates condemned Farrakhan and said Barry would not ever be invited back to the White House.

FETTERMAN REJECTS HARRIS SUGGESTION THAT ISRAEL COULD FACE CONSEQUENCES FOR RAFAH INVASION: 'HARD DISAGREE'

Deputy press secretary Andrew Bates at the podium in the White House press briefing room. (Getty Images)

"The president has unequivocally condemned Louis Farrakhan and the hate he represents for decades and co-sponsored bipartisan legislation doing so," Bates told Fox News Digital . "He also denounces any praise of Louis Farrakhan or his repugnant, antisemitic values, including in this case."

However, according to a Fox News Digital review of visitor logs, Barry returned to the White House in June 2023 and again in December 2023.

Cora Masters Barry praised Louis Farrakhan as a "friend" and "member of the family" while speaking at a private ceremony in memory of her late husband, former Democratic Mayor Marion Barry. (Getty Images)

The first visit, on June 13, 2023, appears to have been for a Juneteenth concert on the White House South Lawn, where Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both delivered remarks. The purpose of her second visit, on Dec. 14, 2023, remains unclear, though it appears she attended an evening reception alongside hundreds of other invitees.

The White House and Barry didn't respond to requests for comment.

ISRAEL LAUDS CONGRESS' BLOW TO UN AGENCY WITH ALLEGED HAMAS TIES AS INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser appointed Barry to her current position, saying in 2021 that she was "grateful for women" like Barry. Bowser notably stood by Barry after City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson moved to block her from serving on the D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

Overall, Barry, who donated $500 each to Biden's presidential campaign and the Biden Victory Fund, according to federal filings, has visited the White House at least six times since Biden took office.

Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan's history of antisemitic rhetoric dates back decades. The White House has said President Biden condemns Farrakhan. (Getty Images)

Barry previously received criticism for her comments attacking white women and compared supporters of former President Trump to the Ku Klux Klan. 

Her praise for Farrakhan , who leads the Nation of Islam religious group, was uttered during a private event in October 2022 honoring her late husband, former Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry. 

Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam have been heavily criticized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which was founded to stop the defamation of Jewish people, and by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The ADL has called Farrakhan "one of the most prominent antisemites," and SPLC has classified the Nation of Islam as a hate group.

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The White House has repeatedly reaffirmed that the president has disavowed Farrakhan, though the most recent public example appears to be a Senate floor speech Biden delivered four decades ago, in 1984.

The Nation of Islam didn't respond to a request for comment.

Thomas Catenacci is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

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White House confirms President Biden will visit Syracuse Thursday

The White House confirmed Monday morning that President Joe Biden will visit Syracuse on Thursday.

The White House said Biden's visit will "discuss how the CHIPS and Science Act and his Investing in America agenda are growing the economy and creating jobs in Central New York and communities across the country."

The visit comes after U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced Micron was awarded $6.1 billion in CHIPS grans in a preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce.

No further details have been shared regarding the location or time for Biden's event. The president visited the Syracuse region in October 2022 following Micron's announcement of its intent to invest up to $100 billion in the central New York area by creating four chip megafabs.

The White House said following the Syracuse event, Biden will travel to Westchester County to participate in a campaign reception. On Friday, Biden is expected in the New York City area.

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Convenience store chain with hundreds of outlets in 6 states hit with discrimination lawsuit

President Joe Biden’s limosine is seen outside Sheetz, where the President stopped enroute to Pittsburgh International Airport, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

President Joe Biden is greeted after walking into a Sheetz after stopping enroute to Pittsburgh International Airport, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon))

President Joe Biden walks into a Sheetz after stopping enroute to Pittsburgh International Airport, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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The Sheetz convenience store chain has been hit with a lawsuit by federal officials who allege the company discriminated against minority job applicants.

Sheetz Inc., which operates more than 700 stores in six states, discriminated against Black, Native American and multiracial job seekers by automatically weeding out applicants whom the company deemed to have failed a criminal background check, according to U.S. officials.

President Joe Biden stopped by a Sheetz for snacks this week while campaigning in Pennsylvania.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed suit in Baltimore against Altoona, Pennsylvania-based Sheetz and two subsidary companies, alleging the chain’s longstanding hiring practices have a disproportionate impact on minority applicants and thus run afoul of federal civil rights law.

Sheetz said Thursday that it “does not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”

“Diversity and inclusion are essential parts of who we are. We take these allegations seriously. We have attempted to work with the EEOC for nearly eight years to find common ground and resolve this dispute,” company spokesperson Nick Ruffner said in a statement.

The privately held, family-run company has more than 23,000 employees and operates convenience stores and gas stations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina.

The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday, the day Biden stopped at a Sheetz market on a western Pennsylvania campaign swing , buying snacks, posing for photos and chatting up patrons and employees.

Federal officials said they do not allege Sheetz was motivated by racial animus, but take issue with the way the chain uses criminal background checks to screen job seekers. The company was sued under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits workplace discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion and national origin.

“Federal law mandates that employment practices causing a disparate impact because of race or other protected classifications must be shown by the employer to be necessary to ensure the safe and efficient performance of the particular jobs at issue,” EEOC attorney Debra M. Lawrence said in a statement.

“Even when such necessity is proven, the practice remains unlawful if there is an alternative practice available that is comparably effective in achieving the employer’s goals but causes less discriminatory effect,” Lawrence said.

It wasn’t immediately clear how many job applicants have been affected, but the agency said Sheetz’s unlawful hiring practices date to at least 2015.

The EEOC, an independent agency that enforces federal laws against workplace discrimination, is seeking to force Sheetz to offer jobs to applicants who were unlawfully denied employment and to provide back pay, retroactive seniority and other benefits.

The EEOC began its probe of the convenience store chain after two job applicants filed complaints alleging employment discrimination.

The agency found that Black job applicants were deemed to have failed the company’s criminal history screening and were denied employment at a rate of 14.5%, while multiracial job seekers were turned away 13.5% of the time and Native Americans were denied at a rate of 13%.

By contrast, fewer than 8% of white applicants were refused employment because of a failed criminal background check, the EEOC’s lawsuit said.

The EEOC notified Sheetz in 2022 that it was likely violating civil rights law, but the agency said its efforts to mediate a settlement failed, prompting this week’s lawsuit.

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Day 4 of Trump New York hush money trial

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell in the courthouse

We've wrapped up our live updates. Learn more about Friday's proceedings by scrolling through the posts below, and return on Monday for more live coverage of Trump's hush money criminal trial .

Man who lit himself on fire outside of the courthouse has died, law enforcement official says

From CNN's John Miller

The man who lit himself on fire outside of the Manhattan courthouse where Donald Trump’s trial was taking place died Friday night, a senior law enforcement official told CNN.

NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey said earlier that the man walked into the center of Collect Pond Park, which is directly across from the courthouse.

He opened his backpack and took out pamphlets that he scattered in the park before setting himself on fire.

The man was taken to Cornell Burn Center earlier in critical condition. Police had said they thought it was not likely that he would survive.

Key takeaways from the final day of jury selection in Trump's hush money trial

From CNN's Jeremy Herb and Lauren del Valle

The historic first criminal trial of a former US president begins with opening statements on Monday.

Judge Juan Merchan swiftly  moved through consideration of roughly 200 potential jurors  to find a jury pool of 18 by midday Friday, swearing in 12 jurors and six alternates who will decide Donald Trump’s fate in the New York hush money case.

Here are takeaways from the final day of jury selection:

• The jury is set: Four women and one man were  added to the jury on Friday as five of the six alternates for the case. They will sit in the jury box and will hear the duration of the trial, but they will only be put on the jury should one or more of the 12 jurors be excused from the case. Prosecutors focused their questions in the case on preparing the jurors to accept testimony from less-than-favorable witnesses, like Michael Cohen. Trump’s attorneys, meanwhile, were almost singularly focused on a single question: What did jurors think about Donald Trump?
• Final round of juror questions highlights emotional decision for potential jurors: There were several emotional moments during Friday morning’s questioning of potential jurors, with two jurors telling the judge in the middle of voir dire that they no longer felt they could serve. One female prospective juror who works in sales for a trading company began crying when she was handed the microphone. At one point after that jury had left, another juror raised her hand and told the court she started feeling “high anxiety” as she sat and listened to a line of questioning about the credibility of witnesses.
• Trump is still trying to stop his trial: Despite seating a jury, Trump’s legal team again tried to stop the trial in its tracks with another strategic appeal. In a new motion filed Friday morning, Trump’s lawyers once again asked an appeals court to temporarily halt the trial until they ruled on Trump’s appeal to move the venue of the hush money trial out of Manhattan. The motion was denied.
• A hearing on Trump’s gag order violations is set for Tuesday: Despite Trump’s attempts to delay, opening statements in his criminal trial will begin Monday morning. On Tuesday, the morning will shift to Trump’s discussion of witnesses in the case, as Merchan plans to hold a hearing on social media posts by the former president that prosecutors say violated his gag order. They’re asking the judge to fine Trump $1,000 per post and remind him that violations of the gag order could result in imprisonment.

5 alternate jurors were selected Friday. Here's what we know about them

From CNN's Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle, and Jeremy Herb

The full panel in Donald Trump's hush money trial has been set after five alternate jurors were selected Friday.

Remember: A full 12-person jury was seated earlier this week, along with one alternate juror.

Here's what we know about the alternate jurors selected Friday:

Alternate Juror #1

• A woman originally from Spain
• Not currently working
• Married with adult children
• Likes to travel
• Says she does not follow the news and does not have any social media accounts
• Says she doesn't "have strong opinions about former President Donald Trump that would interfere" with her ability to be a fair and impartial juror

Alternate Juror #3

• A native New Yorker
• He is a fan of martial arts

Alternate Juror #4

• A contract specialist who has previously lived in New Jersey and Oregon
• She is married with two children
• Says she likes to see live music and take her boys to basketball games
• Says she’s “not a big news person” but looks at The New York Times, Reuters and the BBC
• Does have social media profiles but doesn’t post or use them

Alternate Juror #5

• Works for a clothing company
• Says she gets her news from Google

Alternate Juror #6

• Project manager for a construction company
• She is divorced with three sons
• Her boyfriend is in law enforcement
• Says she listens to true crime podcasts
• Her father was convicted of a federal crime when she was in high school but she said she was shielded from the details

The full jury is sworn in. Catch up on what happened ahead of opening statements in the hush money trial

From CNN staff

The full jury panel has now been seated in the hush money trial against Donald Trump, clearing the way for opening statements to start on Monday.

There are 12 jurors and six alternates who will hear the case against the former president.

Opening statements are set to begin Monday at 9:30 a.m. ET. Court will be a half day on Monday and Tuesday due to Passover, ending at 2 p.m. ET each day.

Leaving the courthouse Friday, Trump again called the trial a "giant witch hunt." Just hours after jury selection finished, an appeals court denied Trump’s latest attempt to stop the trial from going forward.

Here’s what happened today:

Finishing jury selection:

• The remaining five alternates were sworn in on Friday. All 12 jurors and one alternate were selected Thursday.
• The day started with a group of  22 potential jurors answering a questionnaire and facing more questions from lawyers on both sides.
• Trump watched the alternates' answers very closely as they shared their opinions of him, turning toward the jury box as they responded. 
• Before the lunch break, Judge Juan Merchan gave the jurors instructions not to discuss the case with others or research it. He said the court cannot start until all 18 jurors are present each day.

Sandoval hearing:

• The judge held a Sandoval hearing in the afternoon after the full jury was sworn in. The routine procedure aimed to address Trump’s criminal history and assess how much prosecutors can ask about it if the defendant testifies.
• Prosecutors want to bring up past cases — including a $355 million civil fraud order and the E. Jean Carroll defamation case — but the former president's legal team argues those issues aren't relevant to the case at hand .
• The judge said lawyers will have his decision on that matter by Monday.
• It's not yet clear whether the former president will testify. But coming out of the courtroom, Trump said “yes” when asked whether he would take the stand.

Meantime: A New York appeals court judge denied Trump’s motion for an interim stay pending a  change of venue appeal . This was the latest attempt by the former president to stop the hush money trial before opening statements.

Outside the courtroom:

• A man lit himself on fire outside the courthouse , New York Police Chief of Department Jeffrey B. Maddrey said.
• The man walked into the park across the street from the courthouse, throwing flyers into the air , according to Maddrey. He then pulled a canister of what police believe to be an accelerant and lit himself on fire, he said.
• The man is in critical condition at Cornell Burn Unit.
• NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny said police have not determined if the incident was related to Trump’s trial. He said the man did post about the incident on social media and that his internet presence will be part of the ongoing investigation .

See courtroom sketches from Trump's first criminal trial

No cameras are allowed inside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump's hush money is underway, but sketch artists are capturing the scenes.

Trump’s request for interim stay of criminal trial is denied

From CNN's Lauren del Valle

A New York appeals court judge denied Donald Trump’s motion for an interim stay pending a change of venue appeal of his criminal trial.

This was the latest attempt by the former president to stop the hush money trial right before opening statements, which are set to be heard on Monday.

Judge Marsha Michael gave five minutes for each side to argue their case at the hastily arranged hearing Friday afternoon.

Trump says judge in New York hush money case “wants this to go as fast as possible”

From CNN's Kate Sullivan and Kaanita Iyer

Former President Donald Trump spoke to reporters as he exited the courtroom Friday, and said Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over the hush money trial, “wants this to go as fast as possible."

“The trial starts on Monday, which is long before a lot of people thought. The judge wants this to go as fast as possible. That’s for his reasons, not for my reasons,” Trump said.

The former president also called the trial "a giant witch hunt" and railed against people involved in the separate New York civil fraud case — including Judge Arthur Engoron and New York Attorney General Letitia James — to make the case that Democrats are targeting him.

Court has adjourned

The court has adjourned for the day. Opening statements in the hush money trial are expected to begin Monday.

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Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani and Arizona 'fake electors' charged with state crimes

A state grand jury in Arizona on Wednesday indicted Trump aide s including Rudy Giuliani, Mark Meadows and Boris Epshteyn, as well as s o-called "fake electors" who backed then-President Donald Trump in 2020, after a sprawling investigation into the alleged efforts to overturn Joe Biden’s win in the presidential election in the state.

One month after the 2020 election, 11 Trump supporters convened at the Arizona GOP’s headquarters in Phoenix to sign a certificate claiming to be Arizona’s 11 electors to the Electoral College, though Biden won the state by 10,457 votes and state officials certified his electors. The state Republican Party documented the signing of the certificate in a social media post and sent it to Congress and the National Archives.

Trump is described as “Unindicted Coconspirator 1” in the indictment, which includes charges of conspiracy, fraud and forgery. The document also describes people who have been charged in the case but have not yet been served and whose names are redacted: Meadows, Trump's former White House chief of staff; Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and Trump attorney; Epshteyn, a Trump campaign official and attorney; former Trump campaign and White House official Mike Roman; former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis; former Trump attorney Christina Bobb; and John Eastman, another attorney and Trump legal adviser in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

Epshteyn sat at the defense table with Trump when he was arraigned in his New York hush money case last year, though he has not appeared during the trial.

Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, said in a statement Wednesday that Giuliani “is proud to stand up for the countless Americans who raised legitimate concerns surrounding the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.”

Also among those charged in Arizona is Kelli Ward, who served as chair of the Arizona GOP during the 2020 election and the immediate aftermath. She tweeted on Jan. 6, 2021, after the attack on the U.S. Capitol: “Congress is adjourned. Send the elector choice back to the legislatures.” Ward was a Trump elector and a consistent propagator of false claims that Arizona’s election results were rigged.

Others charged along with Ward as "fake electors" were: state legislators Anthony Kern and Jake Hoffman; Michael Ward, Kelli Ward’s husband; Tyler Bowyer, the Republican National Committee's Arizona committeeman and the chief operating officer of the Trump-aligned Turning Point USA; Greg Safsten, the former Arizona GOP executive director; former U.S. Senate candidate Jim Lamon; Robert Montgomery, the former head of the Cochise County GOP; and Republican Party activists Samuel Moorhead, Nancy Cottle and Loraine Pellegrino.

Another passage of the indictment appears to describe attorney Kenneth Chesebro, one of the planners of the alleged scheme, as an unindicted coconspirator. Chesebro pleaded guilty last year in Georgia to conspiracy charges brought against him, Trump and 17 other people in the state. He is also believed to be one of the unidentified co-conspirators special counsel Jack Smith described in his federal election interference indictment of Trump last year. 

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, a Democrat, led the investigation. She won her election to be the state’s chief prosecutor in November 2022, replacing Republican Mark Brnovich, a onetime ally of Trump who later earned his scorn for not substantiating his claims of election fraud in the state.

"We conducted a thorough and professional investigation over the past 13 months into the fake electors scheme in our state," Mayes said in a video announcing the charges . "I understand for some of you today didn't come fast enough. And I know I'll be criticized by others for conducting this investigation at all. But as I've stated before, and we'll say here again, today, I will not allow American democracy to be undermined."

The Republican Party of Arizona said in statement posted to X that the indictments represented a “blatant and unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial power, aimed solely at distracting the public from the critical policy debates our country should be focusing on as we approach the 2024 election.”

“The timing of these charges-precisely four years after the 2020 election and as President Biden seeks re-election-is suspiciously convenient and politically motivated. This is not justice; it is pure election interference,” it said. “They do nothing but undermine the trust in our state’s legal processes and are clearly designed to silence dissent and weaponize the law against political opponents.”

The Arizona charges are the latest example of Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election sprouting into legal cases during his 2024 bid to retake office.

Arizona was one of seven states where “alternate electors” signed paperwork falsely claiming Trump had won the states. Prosecutors have already charged “alternate electors” in Nevada , Georgia and Michigan .

Chesebro and others, including Eastman , argued in the months after the 2020 election that then-Vice President Mike Pence could use the existence of the alternate electors to name Trump the winner of the election as he presided over the electoral vote count in Congress on Jan. 6.

Eastman wrote in a memo: “At the end, he announces that because of the ongoing disputes in the 7 States, there are no electors that can be deemed validly appointed in those States. … There are at this point 232 votes for Trump, 222 votes for Biden. Pence then gavels President Trump as re-elected.”

Trump lost Arizona by just under 11,000 votes. As the Republican electors sent illegitimate certifications to Washington, Trump sought to put pressure on Maricopa County officials and other Arizona Republicans, including then-state House Speaker Rusty Bowers and then-Gov. Doug Ducey.

Trump placed a phone call directly to Ducey as the governor certified the state’s election results. Ducey muted the call.

Mayes’ term as Arizona attorney general has been marked by other election cases stemming from Trump’s false claims about fraud in the 2020 election and after.

Last fall, Mayes charged two local officials who delayed the certification of midterm election results in 2022 in Cochise County. The officials voted against certifying the county’s election results by the statutory deadline after they aired baseless accusations about the integrity of the election for months. The county certified its election results only after a court ordered it to do so.

Vaughn Hillyard is a correspondent for NBC News. 

Dareh Gregorian is a politics reporter for NBC News.