11 hidden meanings behind the personal touches in President Biden's Oval Office you may have missed

Sophie-Claire HoellerJan 26, 2021, 04:23 IST

President Joe Biden has made some significant style changes in the Oval Office.Evan Vucci/AP

Every incoming president gets to redecorate the Oval Office, and Biden has added his own touches.
Portraits of rivals Jefferson and Hamilton hung in close proximity signal Biden's hope for bipartisanship.
A photo of his late son Beau is watching over him.

Every incoming president gets to redecorate the Oval Office to their taste, but few have packed in as many personal touches and as much symbolism as President Joe Biden.

"It was important for President Biden to walk into an Oval that looked like America and started to show the landscape of who he is going to be as president," Ashley Williams, deputy director of Oval Office Operations, told The Washington Post.

Keep scrolling for the hidden meanings behind some of President Biden's décor choices.

A moon rock sitting on a bookshelf and a portrait of Benjamin Franklin put his love of science on prominent display.

A lunar sample from the Apollo 17 moon mission sits on a bookshelf. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

A table covered in family photos shows just how much family means to him.

A sculpted bust of Cesar Chavez oversees a collection of personal framed photos. Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images

A framed photograph of himself with the pope reminds us of his faith.

A photo of President Biden and the pope. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

The dark blue rug may be a nod to his 47 years of serving as a democrat.

The dark blue rug was last seen in the Oval Office during the Clinton administration. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

The gold-colored drapes could signal his reliability.

The gold curtains were used by both the Clinton and the Trump administration. Evan Vucci/AP

Portraits of political rivals Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton demonstrate his hope for bipartisan collaboration.

Portraits of Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, who enjoyed a well-documented rivalry, were purposely hung next to each other. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

His removal of military flags may signal a new era for those serving.

President Biden sits in front of an American flag and a presidential seal flag. JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Busts and portraits of innovators and activists might show he's looking to adopt more progressive policies.

A sculpted bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. flanks the fireplace, alongside one of Robert F. Kennedy. Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post via Getty Images

A horse-and-rider sculpture by an Apache sculptor could demonstrate his commitment to diversity.

A horse-and-rider sculpture created by Santa Fe sculptor Allan Houser sits on a bookcase. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

A box of pens could indicate a return to more traditional politics.

A box of pens featuring President Biden's signature sits on his desk. Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

Forget Trump's Diet Coke button - ever-present cups and saucers show that Biden is a coffee drinker.

Former President Trump's Diet Coke button has been removed. Tom Brenner/Reuters

45 pictures of the incredible bromance between President Obama and President Biden

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