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Leaving a mark: Kamala Harris signs ceremonial desk drawer
The outgoing vice-president made history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian woman to sign the ceremonial desk drawer, continuing a tradition started by VP Henry Wallace in the 1940s.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris / X/@VP
Vice President Kamala Harris made history on Jan. 17 in Washington D.C., by adding her signature to the ceremonial desk drawer in her office, becoming the first woman to do so in a tradition that has been passed down by US presidents and vice presidents since the 1940s.
The tradition of signing the desk drawer was initiated by Vice President Henry Wallace during his tenure in the 1940s. Since then, every vice president has followed suit, leaving their signature as a symbol of their time in office. These signatures serve as a personal mark on a piece of history, reflecting the unique contributions and milestones of each vice president.
In a video shared on her X account, Harris took a moment to reflect on her time in office, acknowledging both the accomplishments and the work still ahead. "Our work is far from complete," she said, expressing pride in the progress made while recognizing the ongoing effort required.
Harris also shared her thoughts on the significance of the desk drawer tradition, saying, "I’m honored to be part of it. I’ve had the privilege of meeting nearly every former vice president, except for Truman and Eisenhower. While we may have disagreed on certain policies, we share a common experience. This office has been about serving the people with a deep respect for the Constitution and the public trust we hold."
Happening Now: Tune in as I sign the desk drawer in my Ceremonial Office — a tradition carried on by presidents and vice presidents since the 1940s. https://t.co/t9o8uj9AHj
— Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) January 16, 2025
"I stand here with pride, knowing that the work we’ve done has had a meaningful impact on people we may never meet. I’m grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together, and I know our work matters," she concluded.
Harris’s addition to the drawer is especially significant due to her groundbreaking role as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian woman to hold the office of Vice President. Her signature represents a major step forward in the ongoing journey toward gender and racial equality in American politics, breaking yet another barrier in the tradition of US vice presidents.
Harris' background remains central to her historic role. Born in Oakland, California, in 1964, she is the first woman, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was an Indian immigrant and cancer researcher from Chennai, whose influence shaped Harris’s values and commitment to public service.
The ceremonial desk drawer has long served as a canvas for the signatures of vice presidents, including Henry A. Wallace (1941–1945)—under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon (1953–1961)—under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Hubert Humphrey (1965–1969)—under President Lyndon B. Johnson, George H. W. Bush (1981–1989)—under President Ronald Reagan, Joe Biden (2009–2017)—under President Barack Obama, and Mike Pence (2017–2021)—under President Donald Trump.
These signatures not only reflect personal milestones but also symbolize the rich legacy of the vice presidency.
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