Every incoming president redecorates the Oval Office according to their own taste, but only a few may have infused as many personal touches and as much symbolism as President Joe Biden.
A moon rock, a lunar sample from the Apollo 17 moon mission which is set on a bookshelf and a portrait of Benjamin Franklin shows his love for science on eminent display. He is trying to make it apparent to people that he will follow the path of science. He is also reminding people of the America’s dream of ambition and relentless perseverance
A table covered in family photos most notably at least one of his late son, Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015, shows just how much family means to him.
A framed photograph of himself with the pope reminds us of his beliefs in Catholicism. He’s only the second Catholic US president, as most have been from other Christian denominations.
The dark blue rug on the floor may be an acknowledgment to his 47 years of serving as a democrat.
Biden made no change to Trump’s gold drapes, which had previously hung in former President Bill Clinton’s Oval Office, though the golden hue usually is associated with wealth and success, it can also symbolize adhering to rules, respecting authority, loyalty, dependability, stability, and caring nature.
Portraits of political rivals Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton examplify his hope for bipartisan collaboration. Even in his Innaugural speech he spoke a lot about bipartisanship and unity.
His removal of military flags, replacement with an American flag and a presidential seal flag may signal a new era for those in military services.
“I will be a commander in chief who always lives up to our most sacred obligation to protect our men and women in uniform and honors the sacrifice they and their families make,” Biden wrote in an official campaign statement.
Busts and portraits of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt, and civil rights activist Cesar Chavez adorn the office; show he’s looking to adopt more progressive policies.
A horse-and-rider sculpture created by Santa Fe sculptor Allan Houser of the Chiricahua Apache tribe also sits on a bookcase. This could very well demonstrate his commitment to diversity among the communities.
Biden’s box of traditional pens, featuring his signature in gold, could signify a return to more traditional policy-making.
Trump’s Diet Coke button, was infamous. However, it has been replaced with a cup and saucer, displaying Biden’s affinity towards coffee rather than some sugary effervescent drink.
