Those folks were White House Social Aides, who were already at the White House last night to manage the “State Dinner” for the Governors (who are in DC for their annual meeting). White House Social Aides are a small cadre of folks, about 40 or so, from all services. They do this thing on their own time, usually after their normal working hours. Their basic function is to welcome guests to the White House, mingle and execute the plan for many of the social functions from receptions to State Dinners. I used to be one in the two Reagan administrations.
so, since we already had ‘em all dressed up, we may as well treat them like stage props?
sorry. they got treated like waitstaff.