Jill Biden offered a rare moment of reflection during an interview on Good Morning America as she acknowledged the emotional complexity of stepping away from the White House following President Joe Biden’s decision to bow out of the 2024 presidential race. While she confirmed that her husband made the “right call” by choosing not to run for another term, she also admitted that the transition would be “tough.”
Speaking candidly, the First Lady said, “I have had such a great four years. Joe and I—it has been the honor of our lives. It will be tough to maybe step away from it. We’re starting a new chapter of our lives, a new journey.” After five decades in politics, she added, “I think we’re ready for the new journey.”
Jill Biden’s remarks came alongside the unveiling of a new, interactive public tour at the White House, which she described as part of her legacy as First Lady. True to her background as an educator, the redesigned tour incorporates dynamic and tactile exhibits aimed at enhancing how visitors learn about the White House, the presidency, and American democracy.
“I walked these halls every day, and I thought to myself, ‘You know, we need something that’s more vibrant and comes alive.'”
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden gives @debrobertsabc an exclusive first look at the revamped White House interactive tour. pic.twitter.com/2mcn8SCpz2
— Good Morning America (@GMA) October 21, 2024
“Education has been my life’s work,” Biden explained, “and it’s important to me that people learn—learn about the White House, about the presidency.” The revamped tour, which has been in the works for two years, includes behind-the-scenes glimpses of past first families, digital exhibits of presidential China, and hands-on experiences that allow guests to touch materials like marble and metal used throughout the White House.
Notably, for the first time, the Diplomatic Room has been added to the tour. This historic space is where U.S. presidents meet foreign dignitaries and embark on official travel via Marine One.
Biden, who used her 40 years of teaching experience to design the new tour, emphasized the importance of catering to different learning styles. “Some of us learn something through hearing, some of us learn something through feeling,” she said. The updates include digital photo collages, tactile exhibits, and interactive features that can be changed for special events, like state dinners and the holidays.
The First Lady also underscored the significance of preserving history and connecting the public to the presidential home. “As you walk through this house, I hope you’ll feel the history here. It’s your history, and it lives in each of you, connecting you to those who have walked before you and to each other.”
Sponsored by the History Channel and in partnership with the National Park Service, the $5 million project aims to make the White House experience more accessible and engaging for the roughly 10,000 visitors it receives weekly.
