Barack Obama and wife in the White House for ceremonial unveiling of portraits

The ceremonial unveiling of former US president Barack Obama and first wife Michelle Obama's portraits in the White House will take place on Wednesday, reviving a custom that was abandoned under Donald Trump.

According to Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden, who served as Obama's vice president for the entirety of his two terms, is "looking forward to welcoming back President Obama and Michelle Obama."

In the eight years that they served in office together, "the two men became closer through the highs and lows of the work and life — and of life."

After ceremonies held by successors, former presidents and first ladies generally had their portraits placed in the White House's halls and corridors.

For instance, Republican George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush were guests of Democrat Obama at portrait unveilings in 2012.

The tradition came to an end when Trump refused to invite the Obamas since there was open disdain between the two presidents in the wake of the surprise Republican victory in 2016.

Even photos of Bush and his predecessor Bill Clinton were reportedly ordered to be removed off the walls of the Grand Foyer of the White House and placed in storage by the norm-busting Republican. But during Trump's turbulent first year, a portrait of Hillary Clinton, the former first lady whom he had defeated in the election, could still be seen in a lower hallway.

Five months have passed since Obama's last visit to the White House for a public event on health care expenditures.

The Obamas' paintings remained highly confidential until the very last minute, but there were hopes that the fashion-forward former first couple would pick a style that differed from the conventionally simple pictures of the past.

The Biden administration claims it has no direct control over whether or when Trump's own portrait will be displayed. It's unclear if the former president, who finds himself in serious legal trouble after top-secret documents were found at his Florida golf club, has even ordered an official painting.

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