A tradition aimed at commemorating service in the White House has unexpectedly led to frustration and disappointment among President Joe Biden's staff.

Staff members are voicing their dissatisfaction over changes in the traditional farewell photo arrangements as President Biden prepares for his White House departure after opting not to pursue a second term, as the Daily Mail reports.

The issue of departure photos has struck a sensitive nerve. Typically, such photos have been a staple for those concluding their tenure with an outgoing president, symbolizing gratitude and closure.

However, this standard tradition has encountered a roadblock, leaving many staffers unsettled.

Departure Photos Cause Internal Strife at White House

President Biden, who announced in July his decision not to seek a second term, is preparing to leave office in January. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris faced a loss to former President Donald Trump. The absence of traditional departure photos has now morphed into a significant grievance among White House personnel.

The practice of taking these photos was initially upheld by President Biden at the beginning of his presidency. Sessions for these photographs were organized in the Roosevelt Room, involving not just staffers but also their family members.

This tradition has now undergone a transition, prioritizing younger staffers for photo opportunities and excluding family members, much to the dissatisfaction of long-serving employees.

A recent email from the White House made a new announcement. It extended invitations to current Executive Office of the President (EOP) political appointees for individual pictures in the Oval Office. However, it clearly stated that family members would not be included, and this change has not been well received by those with longstanding commitments to the administration.

Long Waits Add to White House Discontent

The changes have sparked discontent among staffers, with some expressing their frustrations through group discussions. An unspecified staff member described this development as "triggering," emphasizing the emotional weight these images carry. For many, these photos represent a "reward for all of your service," highlighting the personal and professional significance they hold.

A former White House official weighed in, noting how these sessions had been removed from President Biden's schedule several months ago, leaving staff puzzled and dismayed. This unexplained hiatus in a cherished tradition has fueled a sense of neglect among employees who believed they "deserve at the very least a proper goodbye."

The distribution of photo sessions has reportedly been uneven. Some staffers noted that interns, who have since turned into staff assistants, have obtained photos earlier than others with more experience. This perceived inequality has ignited frustration, as captured in a message from a group text: "It makes me annoyed that I'm even this annoyed, but it's the principle."

Internal Communications Reflect Morale Drop

Amidst the brewing discontent, President Biden managed to take some photos before embarking on his Nantucket vacation, where he was seen engaging in activities with his family, including shopping and attending a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. However, this has done little to quell the dissatisfaction among staff.

The changes affecting the departure photo policy have initiated a broader commentary on the value of employee appreciation within the White House. As one staffer noted, rather than addressing the concern of everyone, only half of the staff are now "annoyed by no departure photos," pointing to a partial attempt at resolving the matter.

Messages exchanged in group chats between staffers highlight their exasperation, with one questioning the prioritization system for photos, asking why less-senior colleagues received priority. This illustrates the perceived inequity embedded within the recent scheduling efforts.

President's Priorities at Center of Upset

In a broader context, the disappointment felt over the absence of these photographs reflects a greater need for recognition in public service.

An ex-official elaborated on the sentiments of many, noting the sacrifices made by staffers for the president deserve acknowledgment. These traditional photos stand as a symbol of their immense contribution to the administration.

The absence of family members has added another layer to their irritation. Previously, the inclusion of family underscored the collective effort behind their professional achievements and the personal sacrifices made over the years. As one employee candidly remarked, the inclusion of family was gratifying for parents too, "for all of their work and getting you to this place."

The unfolding situation at the White House signals a turning point. With President Biden's scheduled departure, addressing these grievances might foster a sense of closure and appreciation among departing staff, resonating beyond mere photographs to reflect genuine acknowledgment of their dedicated service.