Latest news with #PeteSouza
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Former White House photographer criticizes Trump's decision to move Obama's portrait
Pete Souza, Barack Obama 's official White House photographer, criticized the decision to move Obama's portrait to a less visible area of the White House. Souza described the move as 'pretty petty' and questioned if the motives were 'petty or racist,' suggesting Obama occupies a significant space in Donald Trump 's thoughts. The portraits of three presidents, including Obama, were reportedly moved by White House staff to the top of the Grand Staircase, an area restricted to family, Secret Service, and select staff. Souza highlighted that this action breaks a longstanding tradition where recent presidential portraits are displayed in prominent areas like the Grand Foyer for public viewing. The relocation of Obama's portrait occurs amidst heightened tensions between Donald Trump and Obama, marked by Trump's unsubstantiated accusations.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
‘Petty or racist': Ex White House photographer rips Trump for ‘hiding' Obama portrait and bucking tradition
Barack Obama's official White House photographer has hit out at Donald Trump's decision to 'hide' the portrait of the former president, questioning whether the motives for the shake-up were 'petty or racist.' Pete Souza, who served under Obama and former president Ronald Reagan, said that breaking a longstanding tradition of where presidential portraits are hung was 'pretty petty,' and suggested that Obama lived in the president's head 'rent free.' It comes after reports at the weekend that White House staff had moved the portraits of three former presidents — including Obama — to a staircase where visitors now cannot see them. Obama's portrait was moved to the top of the Grand Staircase, an area that is restricted to the president's family, Secret Service and select staff, according to CNN. In an Instagram post Tuesday, Souza shared a photo of Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama descending the staircase, with portraits of presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman visible in the background 'Petty or racist?' he began his caption. Souza went on to describe the 'longstanding protocol/tradition' of where the portraits of former Presidents are hung. The most recent ones, he said, are displayed in the Grand Foyer, then the Cross Hall, then the Grand Staircase, in that order. The order is such that visitors during the White House public tours can see the most recent Presidents. Other portraits, like Lincoln and Washington, are displayed prominently in the State Dining Room and East Room. Souza also noted that, in keeping with this, during the Obama administration the portraits of presidents Bush and Clinton hung in the Grand Foyer, while portraits of presidents Reagan, Carter, Ford and Kennedy were hung along the Cross Hall. 'According to CNN, the current occupant of the Oval Office has moved the portrait of President Obama from the Grand Foyer (where it should be) to that hidden area at the top of the Grand Staircase,' he wrote. 'Why was this done? Was it because President Obama lives rent free in the current occupant's head? I'd say that's pretty petty. Or could there be another reason?' As well as his role as White House photographer for Reagan and Obama, Souza worked nine years for the Chicago Tribune 's Washington, D.C. bureau and as a freelancer for National Geographic and Life magazines. He has also earned widespread recognition for several famous photos, including the May 1, 2011 scene in the Situation Room where Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and other officials watched updates on the mission to kill Osama Bin Laden. Trump's decision to move the portrait of Obama comes as tensions rise between the two men, with Trump baselessly accusing Obama of 'treason' and posting AI-generated fake videos depicting Obama's arrest. Obama has called the claims he orchestrated an attempted 'coup' against Trump as 'outrageous' and branded it an 'attempt at distraction' by Trump amid his failure to release the controversial Epstein files.
Black America Web
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Father's Day Roundup: See How Our Fave Black Celebs Celebrated The Father Figures In Their Lives
Source: Pete Souza / Pete Souza Father's Day is a time to give love to the men who hold it down for their families, communities, and friends. And this year, some of our favorite celebs – from Michelle Obama to DC Young Fly to Teyana Taylor – hit Instagram with emotional tributes, sweet photos, and powerful words. These posts remind us why Black fatherhood deserves to be celebrated loudly – today and every day. Let's start with Oprah, who posted a beautiful snapshot with her late father, Vernon Winfrey, while reflecting on his impact. In an Oprah Daily essay she promoted on IG, she wrote: 'My father is the root of all my successes. Personal. Physical. Financial. Because he understood intrinsically that fathering is a verb. It requires action.' Michelle Obama also tapped into nostalgia, posting a throwback of Barack with a young Sasha and Malia. 'He's always been there for us,' she wrote, 'even when it felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders.' Our forever FLOTUS made it clear: strength in silence is still love. Ciara jumped on Instagram with a loving reel of her husband Russell Wilson that is making everyone swoon. While showing clips of the Wilson Clan, Ciara chose Monica's 'Why I Love You So Much' as her post audio. 'You show up for our babies the biggest way every day!' Ci Ci said about her NFL star. She added, 'You inspire us so much!' Ciara and Russ share four kids together: Ciara and Russell Wilson have four children: Future Zahir Wilburn (from a previous relationship), Sienna Princess, Win Harrison, and Amora Princess. Teyana TayTeyana Taylor Turns Up The Heat At Art Basel For Her Sagittarius Birthday Bashlor dropped a carousel for her dad, calling him her 'ace boon' and writing, 'Know that you are appreciated…I thank God for you every day.' Her post radiated love, legacy, and gratitude and fans are loving to see clips of her dad-daughter intimate moments. DC Young Fly jumped on social media with a cute selfie of himself and his three children for Father's Day. The comedian and host remains strong, raising his kids after the loss of his partner, Ms. Jacky Oh! (Jacklyn Smith), who died after complications from cosmetic surgery in 2023. We love to see fathers celebrating fatherhood! Tia Mowry gave props to multiple father figures in her life—including her father, her brother, and her ex-husband, Cory Hardrict. Her caption stood out: 'Families take on new shapes. But one thing stays the same: the importance of being there with care and intention.' Whew. That part. And don't get us started on Corinne Foxx, who shared a gorgeous clip of Jamie Foxx walking her down the aisle. 'From walking me through life to walking me down the aisle…I love you beyond measure,' she wrote. It's rare, it's tender, and it gave us chills. From throwback flicks to new family moments, these posts show that fatherhood isn't just a title – it's a commitment. In a world where dads are often left out of the narrative, seeing these men get their shine reminds us how much love really lives here. Happy Father's Day! We see you. We thank you. SEE ALSO Father's Day Roundup: See How Our Fave Black Celebs Celebrated The Father Figures In Their Lives was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
