Hillary Clinton to make rare public appearance at White House event, emphasizing importance of artistic achievement amid pandemic

 Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to make a rare public appearance at the White House next week, joining First Lady Jill Biden at an arts event. The event aims to honor the 2023 winners of the Praemium Imperiale, a prestigious global prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association for lifetime achievement in the arts. This occasion holds particular significance as Praemium Imperiale laureates were first celebrated at the White House by President Bill Clinton and the then-First Lady in 1994. Hillary Clinton, who served as Obama's secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, has maintained a relatively low public profile since her defeat in the 2016 presidential race against Donald Trump.

However, the White House announcement confirms her presence at next Tuesday's event, despite the recent COVID-positive test result of First Lady Jill Biden. While the First Lady is recuperating in Delaware, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reassured reporters that she is doing well. President Biden, who tested negative for COVID on Wednesday morning, is expected to depart on Thursday for the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi, India, followed by trips to Vietnam and Alaska. The upcoming arts event not only showcases the achievements of laureates in the field, but it also highlights the role of the arts in connecting cultures and fostering international cooperation.

With the presence of respected figures like Hillary Clinton, the event is expected to further promote the significance of artistic achievement and the importance of cultural exchange. This event also holds personal significance, as it marks another rare occasion where former President Bill Clinton and President Biden connect. In May 2022, Bill Clinton had lunch with Biden at the White House, indicating their continued friendship and camaraderie.

Previously, former President Barack Obama also returned to the White House for an event celebrating his signature healthcare law, further highlighting the enduring relationships among political figures. Overall, the presence of Hillary Clinton at this White House event signals her ongoing commitment to the arts and public service, as well as the importance of recognizing lifetime achievements in the field. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent positive test result of the First Lady, the event is set to proceed, showcasing the resilience and determination to continue celebrating excellence in the arts.