**Biden Staffers Disgruntled Over Abandoned Departure Photo Tradition**

Discontent has reportedly brewed among Joe Biden's staffers due to the president's apparent abandonment of the tradition of taking 'departure photos' with White House employees. This custom, typically observed when a president leaves office, has left staffers feeling neglected and upset as Biden prepares to hand the presidency back to Donald Trump following Kamala Harris's defeat.

Biden’s staff morale has sunk to a new low, with group chats among employees buzzing with complaints about missing out on their farewell keepsakes. "It's just been one thing you can sort of count on as a reward for all of your service," commented a former staffer who waited eight months after Biden's departure to capture a moment with the president. The photos are considered a significant token for staffers and their families, reflecting the hard work and sacrifices made during their tenure.

Initially, Biden adhered to this tradition by scheduling photo sessions in the Roosevelt Room, even buying plane tickets for staffers' family members to attend. Unexpectedly, these sessions were removed from his schedule months ago without explanation, leaving many in the dark and frustrated.

Last week, an attempt to remedy the situation saw the White House Office of Management and Administration sending an email inviting current political appointees for individual photos with Biden in the Oval Office. However, this solution only partially alleviated the issue. "Instead of everyone being annoyed by no departure photos, now it's only half of the people who are annoyed," shared a current Biden staffer, noting the frustration among more senior staffers over younger ones being prioritized.

Despite recognizing the triviality of the situation, employees remain irate, feeling overlooked after years of dedication and sacrifice for Biden's administration. Some have even contemplated petitioning senior officials to resolve the matter. "These are the staffers who stood with Biden since Day 1," an ex-official emphasized. "They deserve at the very least a proper goodbye from the man who says he owes them everything."

Before heading off for a holiday in Nantucket, where he was seen shopping with his family and attending the town Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, Biden took some last-minute photos. Nonetheless, the lingering discontent among his staff underscores the importance of acknowledgment and tradition in maintaining team morale.