Obamas under tight budget for new White House residence makeover
America's new first family will have to do with a limited budget as they add their own personal touches to make the White House their new home.
America's new first family will have to do with a limited budget as they add their own personal touches to make the White House their new home.
According to the Executive Residence Budget, Congress allocates 1.6 million dollars per year for the repair, restoration and preservation of the White House, which includes 100,000 dollars for every incoming president to redecorate the private quarters and the Oval Office.
Barack Obama and his wife Michelle will need to stick to the tight figure as they settle down in their new abode with daughters Malia and Sasha's comfort topping their priority list.
"Their primary focus is to make sure that the kids feel comfortable and settled," Fox News quoted Michelle's press secretary, Katie McCormick Lelyveld, as saying.
The Chicago family has selected renowned designer Michael Smith to incorporate "some new perspectives from some of America's greatest artists and designers."
The wife of first African-American to be elected President said: "I look forward to adding our own touch to the East Wing and creating a living space where our family feels comfortable, happy and settled."