Blair House will serve as temporary home for VP Harris
WASHINGTON — U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris can’t beat the work commute.
She’s living temporarily at Blair House, the president’s official guest residence on Pennsylvania Avenue across from the White House, while some repair work is done at the official vice-presidential home a few kilometres away on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory.
Asked what her first job would be, as she strolled the Inauguration Day parade route with her husband, Doug
Emhoff, Harris told a reporter,
“Walking to work.”
Harris moved into Blair
House the day after the Jan.
20 inaugura- tion, said spokesperson Symone Sanders.
Vice presidents have lived in a white, 19th century Victorian house on the grounds of the Naval Observatory since the late 1970s, starting with Walter Mondale. But the home needs a touch-up, and officials said it’s best for the work to be done while the house is unoccupied. Mike Pence, Harris’ predecessor, cleared out at the end of the Trump administration earlier this month.
So Harris moved into Blair House, where former president Harry Truman lived from 19481952 during major renovations to the White House.
Blair House is on a part of Pennsylvania Avenue that is under constant surveillance by the U.S. Secret Service, which provides security for the president and vice-president wherever they are. The agency declined to comment on Harris’ living arrangements.
It was unclear how long Harris will stay at Blair House. Chimney liners in the Naval Observatory residence are being replaced and other unspecified maintenance is underway.