“Ike” Hoover, who was chief usher for 24 years, from 1909 to 1923. Harleth becomes just the 11th chief usher in the history of the position. Whomever is in the role serves at the pleasure of the President, and oftentimes for many years. “If the first lady wants to change anything, like the flowers or the food bill – first ladies have traditionally been concerned about the cost of food since each first family pays for their private meals and snacks – they talk to the chief usher, who then talks to the chef,” Brower said.īut the job has its perks, too. Harleth will also be responsible for delivering the bad news, like firing a staff member, or telling the kitchen to cut down on spending. For instance, one usher is in charge of housekeeping, another in charge of food and beverage.” They have an office on the state floor and they have about a half-dozen ushers working for them who manage the different household staffs. “The chief usher makes sure the trains run on time,” said Brower. Though Harleth will likely work most closely to the first lady, he will also spend lots of time in communication with the social secretary, Rickie Niceta, who was brought on in February. Melania Trump’s parents, Amalija and Viktor Knavs, have also been frequent guests of late. The timing of Harleth’s hire this week comes as little surprise to White House-watchers it is, after all, just over one week since the first lady and 11-year-old Barron Trump have taken up official residence. “If we had a problem or a question, it would always be asked to the chief usher,” he said. Rochon, recalled daily morning meetings with all the department heads and the chief usher to go over the day’s events, and what needed to get done.Īmerican First Lady Grace Coolidge (nee Goodhue, 1879 - 1957) (center, in dark coat) smiles with unidentified others as she sits in a sleigh, while Chief White House Usher Ike Hoover (1871 - 1933) (right), walks beside them outside the White House, Washington DC, 1929. Scanlan, who during his tenure worked under chief ushers Gary J. “They are in many ways the official gatekeeper, and their job is to keep the integrity of the house and to address all issues and welfare pertaining to the first family, as well as within the residence.” “The chief usher is a very important need for the White House,” said Bob Scanlan, who served as White House florist from 1998-2010. Additionally, it’s up to the chief usher to set and maintain the household budget, typically working closely with the first lady to do so. However, it’s not just the Trumps that Harleth must jive with, he’s also got to manage an entire household staff, well into the hundreds, that includes everyone from the chefs to the florists, carpenters, even the calligrapher. “If they pick someone who has managed a Trump property and someone who knows their likes and dislikes that would be wise,” said Brower. On one hand, critics might find the hiring of a Trump property employee distasteful, but supporters may understand the role can only be filled by someone the family is comfortable with. Harleth’s insider familiarity could be a double-edged sword for the Trumps. (Reagan was so close to her chief usher, Rex Scouten, she named her Cavalier King Charles spaniel after him.) Reagan obliged, which is a testament to just how important Harleth’s role could, and possibly should, be inside the Trump administration. “She loved West so much that when he dies in 1983, she asked Nancy Reagan to make an exception and have him buried at Arlington National Cemetery, even though he never served in the military,” Brower added. West the most powerful man in Washington next to her husband,” says Kate Andersen Brower, a CNN contributor and author of “First Women: The Grace and Power of America’s Modern First Ladies.” “Jackie Kennedy called (her chief usher) J.B. Harleth will oversee approximately 90 staff members at the White House. “I am excited to work alongside the accomplished and professional staff who are already in place.” “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,” said Harleth in the White House statement announcing his hire. Before she was hired by the Obamas, she was general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City. The most recent chief usher, Angella Reid, who abruptly departed the White House in early May, spent more than two decades with Ritz-Carlton. Carolyn Kaster/APįirst female usher in WH history no longer in post Angella Reid poses in front of the White House in 2011, weeks before she became White House chief usher.
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