Who is Timothy Harleth? White House chief usher will greet the Bidens instead of outgoing president Donald Trump
Its history in the making as the Bidens will be welcomed by White House chief usher, Timothy Harleth to the executive mansion before President-elect Joe Biden heads to the US Capitol to be sworn as the POTUS succeeding Donald Trump on Wednesday (January 20). Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President and Trump has not invited his successor for the traditional meeting at the White House after refusing to attend the ceremony.
Who is Timothy Harleth?
With this, all eyes shift to Harleth, who is set to make headlines as he will welcome Joe and Jill Biden on the north portico’s steps on Wednesday morning. The Telegraph reported that Harleth has been planning the Biden's entry and has looked after the transition taking place in the White House. It also said he has been in contact with the couple. With his role as an usher, he also oversaw the removal of Trump's belongings, well as cleaning the building.
Harleth is the highest-ranking resident staffer, the report added. He was appointed as the chief usher in 2017 by Melania Trump succeeding outgoing chief usher, Angella Reid. He is the ninth person to serve as the usher in the White House. Prior to the role, he was the director of rooms at the Trump International Hotel in Washington DC.
After his hiring as the White House Usher in 2017, Melania, as per a CNN report said: "I am pleased that Timothy will be joining our team. I selected him because of his impressive work history and management skills. My husband and I know he will be successful in this vital role within the White House."
"I look forward to applying my experience with hospitality, leadership, and political protocol in order to ensure the first family’s needs are met, while also protecting and preserving the rich history of the White House," Harleth said in the White House statement.
What's next for Harleth after the Biden's takeover?
His future with the new President seems unclear at the moment. The Telegraph did reckon the Biden could replace the usher as he was appointed by the Trumps, however, there is no official word at the moment. On his part, Harleth did reportedly hint he wants to continue in his role as he did not want to be seen as a Trump loyalist. The site also added Trump met him just once, during the time of his interview for the role.
"While he has not discussed his future with Dr. Biden, Mr. Harleth is expected to stay for now, according to administration officials, handling personnel issues, planning family dinner menus, and managing the budget for the residence. He has made it clear that he is very eager to stay on permanently, and does not want to be viewed as a Trump loyalist though he has also hired other staff members from Trump properties," said a New York Times report.
It also added the Bidens were never invited to meet the residence staff or take a look at the second floor of the White House, which comprises 16 rooms and six bathrooms.