The Biden administration has quietly initiated a significant cleanup operation within the White House—one that’s raising eyebrows due to its steep price tag. Is this simply routine maintenance, or could there be more behind the scenes as the 2025 Inauguration approaches?
According to federal financial records obtained by TMZ, a comprehensive cleaning has already begun across some of the most iconic sections of the White House. This includes the West Wing, East Wing, and the adjacent Eisenhower Executive Office Building. The extensive cleanup is set to cost a staggering $140,930. Reportedly, the process started in November, even before Thanksgiving, signaling an early and thorough effort to prepare the premises.
Additionally, a specialized service has been hired to deep-clean the carpets within these same areas, racking up an extra $46,800 in expenses. The official explanation is that these measures are necessary to ensure everything is pristine ahead of the 2025 Inauguration. The combined total for these cleaning efforts comes to an eye-watering $187,730.
Such large-scale cleaning endeavors are not new to the White House. Back in 2020, during the transition between Donald Trump’s presidency and Joe Biden’s, a similar initiative was undertaken. However, that effort came with a slightly smaller price tag—roughly $127,000. This marks an increase of more than $13,000 in cleaning costs compared to four years ago.
There are a few plausible explanations for this hike. Inflation could be one factor driving the higher price. Alternatively, the Biden administration may have taken a more rigorous approach to preparing the presidential residence for its next occupant.
Interestingly, even carpet cleaning costs have risen. Under Trump’s administration in 2020, the carpet-cleaning bill came to a little over $44,000. By contrast, the current administration’s costs have climbed by nearly $3,000.
The increase in spending isn’t just a trivial detail; it highlights a broader conversation about fiscal responsibility, a topic that was front and center during the recent election cycle. With inflation concerns still looming, every expenditure comes under scrutiny, particularly when it involves taxpayer dollars.
While the hefty bill might seem excessive, it underscores the need for proper upkeep of these historic spaces. Presidential transitions often come with unique logistical challenges, and the White House’s aesthetic condition is symbolic of a seamless handover of power. As one might say, politics isn’t always dirty—at least not when it comes to the floors and carpets of the nation’s most significant residence.
Whether this is merely a standard cleaning operation or indicative of broader preparations for the 2025 Inauguration, one thing is certain: the White House will be sparkling clean for the next chapter in American history.