Kamala Harris reportedly didn’t offer JD Vance a pre-inaugural invite to Naval Observatory residence

On January 16, 2025, speculation arose that Kamala Harris reportedly did not send a pre-inaugural invite to Vice President-elect JD Vance to the Naval Observatory residence. This has left many people wondering why a customary invite was not sent.

The invite is a long-standing political tradition that has been followed for years, and the outgoing vice president welcomes the vice president-elect for a meeting and a tour of the house. However, if these speculations are anything to go by, this year's transition appears to deviate from that norm.

However, this was not the first time. When then-Vice President Mike Pence sent out a casual, discreet invitation in 2021 in response to Donald Trump's reluctance to acknowledge the election, Kamala Harris was also turned down for a formal sit-down or visit.

She stayed temporarily at The President's Guest House famously known as the Blair House and later moved into the V.P.'s residence after three months due to necessary repairs on the property.

Reports suggest that communication was made between the two teams, as JD Vance's wife, Usha Vance, is said to have contacted Harris' staff about childproofing the house back in November 2024 since her kids were all below the age of eight.

Her request to have a look at the house was denied by the Navy, though she reportedly later had a conversation with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff for over 40 minutes. The role of these interactions remains unclear.

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Reactions to Kamala Harris' alleged decision

Her reported decision not to invite Vance and his family has sparked various reactions from people. Kamala's supporters argue that any delay or deviation in the following tradition could mirror her transition period. According to sources, she moved into the house in April 2021, three months after winning the elections as the house needed some repairs.

Critics have however speculated that the move might be politically motivated. Laura Ingraham, the anchor of Fox News, called her a "sore loser," saying:

"Not everyone is excited. Enter sore loser Kamala Harris. She breaks tradition as she chooses not to invite JD Vance."

According to Ingraham, Kamala Harris allegedly cropped Donald Trump out of a photo taken at Jimmy Carter's burial, demonstrating her frustration over the elections. Clay Travis was welcomed by Ingraham on her show; reacting to this, he commented:

"And let’s start with Kamala not inviting JD Vance to the vice president’s residence. He’s got three kids is my understanding. He’s got a wife who’s having to relocate all that whole family. Anybody who’s ever moved a family, it’s the bare minimum to allow them to come in and actually see the place before they arrive. It’s the height of petty."

JD Vance and his family are expected to relocate to the Naval Observatory house marking a significant moment in the transition. If reports are accurate, then he will be the first vice president in decades to do so without the traditional pre-move tour. Given the long-standing tradition of the Vice President inviting the Vice President-Elect over to the residence to welcome and facilitate a smooth transfer, the alleged omission of this tradition has generated a lot of speculation.