The menorah added to the White House collection in 2022 is not on display on the State Floor this holiday season, though officials say it remains part of the institution’s permanent archives. Crafted from historic White House wood with sterling-silver cups inspired by Thomas Jefferson-era designs, the piece was the first menorah accessioned into the collection. The White House is hosting multiple Hanukkah events this week, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick represented the administration at the National Menorah Lighting; officials offered no direct explanation for the menorah’s absence.
Biden-Era Menorah Remains In White House Collection — Not On Display This Holiday
A menorah that was added to the White House collection during President Joe Biden's administration is not on display as part of the Trump White House's holiday décor this year, officials confirmed.
Piece Remains In Collection, Not On State Floor
The candelabrum — crafted by the Executive Residence Carpentry Shop from historic wood removed from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. — was unveiled in 2022 and became the first menorah permanently accessioned into the White House collection. Nicholas Clemens, communications director for First Lady Melania Trump, told The Hill:
"The menorah that the Bidens added in 2022 is not on the State Floor at the present time, but it remains a part of the White House collection."
While the menorah is not currently displayed on the State Floor, it remains part of the institution's permanent archives and, as an accessioned object, is retained in the White House collection even if not exhibited by future administrations.
Design And Origins
The piece was constructed using wood reportedly removed from the White House during a renovation in about 1950 in the Truman era. Its sterling-silver candle cups draw inspiration from tumblers that President Thomas Jefferson ordered for Monticello in 1810.
Holiday Observances Continue
The White House is marking Hanukkah with multiple receptions and events this week; Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick represented the administration at the National Menorah Lighting. Officials did not provide a direct explanation for why the 2022 menorah is not on view.
Prior to the 2022 accession, Hanukkah menorahs displayed at the White House were typically loaned items rather than permanent collection pieces.
Context
The change in display comes amid broader shifts in policies and priorities between the Biden and Trump administrations. Separate reporting noted other reversals of Biden-era initiatives, but there has been no public indication that the menorah’s absence is related to those policy changes.
Reporting contributions credited to Brett Samuels.
