Reporters on Friday morning noticed some new structures on the north lawn of the White House: big hearts installed by the first lady Jill Biden
Jill BidenBiden emphasizes diversity on first visit to the Pentagon Jill Biden: ‘Let’s make sure everyone has access to a free community college’ Michelle Obama announces children’s program focused on healthy eating MORE, which his office said were his “Valentine’s Day surprise messages to the country”.
The pink, red and white hearts modeled after “conversational hearts” contained words like “unity”, “compassion” and “courage” and were seen across the background that journalists use for White House reporting.
A Valentine’s Day card from First Lady Jill Biden appeared overnight at the White House. According to his office, “The first lady is known for her sense of humor, love for surprises and celebrating traditions … This is her Valentine’s Day for the country.” pic.twitter.com/lwiAxePaPv
– Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) February 12, 2021
In a statement to reporters, the First Lady’s office said the hearts are a reference “to the days of sharing sweet hearts between friends and family”.
“As you may know, the first lady is known for her sense of humor, love of surprises and celebrating traditions, especially with her family,” added the statement. “Valentine’s Day has always been one of your favorite holidays. Sending messages of healing, unity, hope and compassion, this is your valentine for the country. “
. @FLOTUS overnight, giant hearts were installed on the north lawn of the White House – the strategic location will make them seen by TV cameras as a backdrop for the reporters’ successes. ( in @betsy_klein) pic.twitter.com/vhGUd1N54F
– Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) February 12, 2021
Photos and videos on Friday showed the first lady and President Biden taking a morning walk on the lawn with their dogs.
And President Biden joined the First Lady for a surprise walk this morning to watch the exhibition pic.twitter.com/dtZh2nBlIr
– Betsy Klein (@betsy_klein) February 12, 2021
The president told reporters that “Valentine’s Day is a great day, Jill’s favorite day”.
When asked by reporters what inspired her to install the Valentine’s heart, Jill Biden said: “I just wanted a little joy and I think that with the pandemic, everyone is feeling a little down, so it’s just a little of joy, a little hope. That is all.”
The president then reported his first Valentine’s Day as vice president, saying that his wife had placed a heart on each window in his office that said, “Joe loves Jill.”
When asked how he would “extend this love story to the American people who are so depressed now,” the president replied, “Tell them that there is hope. There is hope. Hold tight.”
As for the president’s Valentine’s Day gift to his wife, he pointed out that there are still two days left for the holiday, jokingly saying to reporters: “Well, it’s not Valentine’s Day, I won’t tell you.”