On Jan. 20, President-elect Donald Trump will make his return to the White House, bringing familiar elements from his first administration back to the Oval Office.

As Trump reclaims the presidency, the so-called Diet Coke desk button from his prior tenure, which was removed by President Joe Biden in 2021, will be restored, alongside other familiar features such as furniture and portraits from Trump’s first term, as the Washington Examiner reports.

The transition will see Biden moving out of the White House as Trump moves back in, marking a shift in leadership and atmosphere. During Trump’s first administration, the Oval Office had several notable features, including the Diet Coke button on the Resolute Desk, which became a symbol of his personal preferences. This button, which was removed when Biden took office, will be reinstated in 2025 as part of the broader return to Trump-era arrangements.

In addition to the Diet Coke button, the White House will once again be staffed with many of the same individuals who served during Trump’s first term. While most non-political staff members remain unchanged between administrations, the return of many of Trump’s political appointees will bring back a familiar team.

Quick Change Anticipated

The transition process, which takes about five hours according to reports, will see Biden’s staff move out and Trump’s team take over the executive mansion.

The move-out and move-in process at the White House is a coordinated effort involving about 90 people. During Biden’s transition in 2021, his staff moved in shortly after Trump’s team moved out, a process that is typically smooth but can involve challenges. For example, the 2001 Clinton-to-Bush transition led to accusations of vandalism and $15,000 in damage to the White House, though later transitions, such as Bush to Obama and Obama to Trump, were less controversial.

Despite the smooth transitions between Bush and Obama, Biden’s move-out is expected to attract additional scrutiny. The ongoing investigations into the handling of classified documents during Biden’s presidency could complicate the move-out process. These concerns add a layer of complexity to what is usually a routine shift in leadership.

Trump’s Return Brings Symbolic Gestures

Trump’s decision to reinstate his Diet Coke button is one of many symbolic gestures signaling a return to his first-term style. This button, installed early in his first term, was a personal touch that made headlines during his time in office. Its reappearance is likely to be seen as a defining moment as Trump re-establishes his presidency and the policies that accompanied it.

Though small, the return of the Diet Coke button is significant. It reflects the president’s desire to return to a familiar environment, one in which he felt comfortable and in control. The reinstatement of furniture and artwork from Trump’s first term will further underscore this intent to recreate the atmosphere of his previous administration.

The return of many of Trump’s staff members is another important aspect of this transition, ensuring that the White House operations will resemble those from his first term.

While most non-political employees at the White House are expected to remain in place, Trump’s political appointees will likely resume their roles. These individuals are key to the functioning of the administration and will help ensure that Trump’s policies are carried out smoothly once he takes office again.

Potential Scrutiny of Move-Out Process

The transition between administrations can often be a smooth, if highly coordinated, process. However, the move from Biden to Trump could face heightened scrutiny due to ongoing legal and political issues. Biden’s handling of classified documents has already been the subject of public discussion, and this may complicate the final days of his presidency.

The transition from Trump’s first term to Biden’s was largely uneventful, but Trump’s return to the White House is unlikely to be without its challenges. With investigations still ongoing, the public and media will likely pay close attention to the details of the move-out process.

In any case, the Trump administration’s return to the White House will not be limited to a simple shift in staff. It will also bring with it a return to specific policies and practices that defined his first term. From the return of familiar figures to the reinstatement of his personal touch, including the Diet Coke button, the transition is a reminder of the personal style that has defined Trump’s time in office.

Symbolic Power of Diet Coke Button

The Diet Coke button’s return is more than just a quirky detail -- it represents the broader changes that will take place in Washington with Trump’s second term. For many, it’s a symbol of Trump’s unorthodox style of leadership and his desire to maintain control over even the smallest details.

While the button itself may seem trivial, it underscores the importance of symbols in the world of politics. For Trump, the Diet Coke button was a personal emblem of his preferences and his approach to leadership. Its return will signal a return to form, both in terms of policy and style.

As Trump prepares for his second term, the return of familiar features, such as the Diet Coke button, will reinforce his commitment to bringing back the environment of his first administration. This will likely be an important moment for both Trump and his supporters, as well as for critics who may see it as a return to the past.

The Transition and What It Means for the Future

The transition from Biden to Trump will be more than just a physical move. It will involve a return to familiar policies and leadership styles, as well as symbolic gestures like the reinstatement of the Diet Coke button. While the White House staff and décor may shift back to what they were during Trump’s first term, the broader political landscape will continue to evolve.

Trump’s second term in office will be watched closely as he navigates the challenges of returning to power. From the return of key staff members to the continuation of his political agenda, Trump’s comeback will undoubtedly make headlines in the months ahead.

As the final days of Biden’s presidency draw near, the country will begin to prepare for the changes that will come with Trump’s second term. His return to the White House is sure to be a pivotal moment, one that will shape the direction of American politics for the years to come.