Steve Ford joined others in remembering the first moments of First Families moving into the White House on ABC’s 20/20 The Trump’s Go to Washington. The White House staff is responsible on Inauguration Day for helping to move out the current First Family, and welcoming the new President and their staff to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. The staff will do the same as the 44th President of the United States Barack Obama and his family departs the White House as residents for the last time on the morning of January 20, 2017, and welcomes the 45th President of the United States Donald J. Trump and his family following his inauguration.
The special includes interviews with the incoming First Family of President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, including Ivanka Trump, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr. The TV special also discusses 11 year old Barron Trump, who would be the first young son to live at the White House since John F. Kennedy’s son, John John (John F. Kennedy, Jr.).
Steve Ford recalled the first days that the Ford Family became America’s First Family. Steve Ford, then 18, remembered how the Ford Family was still living at their home in Alexandria, VA for a week following his father’s Swearing-In on August 9, 1974. With then-President Richard Nixon resignation on August 8, 1974 and departing the White House the next morning, it took a week for the staff to help the Nixon Family pack up and complete the transition for the Ford Family. Traditionally the White House staff has several weeks to prepare for the transition, as the Presidential election is in early November and the Presidential Inauguration is in late January.
Steve Ford also discussed his letter to Chelsea Clinton on welcoming her as the Clinton’s only-child to live in the White House Residency, and his U.S. Secret Service code name: Peso.
Steve Ford’s participation begins at the 29:30 time-mark.
The ABC special on 20/20 aired on January 19, 2017. To watch the full ABC 20/20 special, please visit: http://abc.go.com/shows/2020/episode-guide/2017-01/19-011917-americas-new-first-family-trumps-go-to-washington
