[Timber Rattler]

So why exactly does the White House need a “chief florist?” DC has lots of privately owned flower shops.

[USARightSide]

Have you never seen White House specials on TV over the years and the segments on the working florists? Looks like a huge job to me.
Flowers contribute much to all the formal - and informal occasions - at the WH regardless of who is president.
I do not begrudge a chief florist position at all.
The flower arrangements are done on the premises in their own location. Ridiculous to truck them in.

[Does so]

So why exactly does the White House need a “chief florist?”

Why do they need three "calligraphers"?

To write using Arabic letters?