White House Restarting Tours After Lawmakers Complain

Following a longer-than-usual delay, the White House will be back open for tours next month. First lady Melania Trump announced Tuesday that the tours will resume on March 7, per ABC 7. White House tours are typically halted when a new president takes office, but a seven-week interruption is out of the ordinary, reports the Washington Post. In a letter sent to the White House on Monday, about two dozen members of Congress sounded a little agitated that they haven't been able to arrange tours for constituents. "Previous administrations have been quick to reopen the White House doors to the public, even doing so the day after the Inauguration," they wrote. The message was apparently received.

“I am excited to reopen the White House to the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come each year,” said a statement from the first lady, who has remained in New York while son Barron finishes the school year. “The White House is a remarkable and historic site and we are excited to share its beauty and history.” The news should please GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley, who sent out a snarky tweet about the delay. (More White House stories.)