Barack and Michelle Obama return to White House for unveiling of portraits

Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, returned to the White House on Wednesday for the unveiling of their official portraits, hosted by Joe Biden more than five years after the 44th president left office.

Large, formal portraits of presidents and first ladies adorn walls, hallways and rooms throughout the White House. Customarily, a former president returns for the unveiling during the tenure of his successor. But the Obamas, who have remained popular since leaving power, did not have their ceremony while Donald Trump was in office.

The White House Historical Association president, Stewart McLaurin, said there was no prescribed process for presidential portraits being created or installed.

The ceremony took place in the White House East Room.