Hillary Clinton emphasized the importance of democracy during a rare appearance at the White House for a Japanese-sponsored art award after her surprise loss to former President Donald Trump in 2016.

"President [Joe] Biden and Vice President [Kamala] Harris traveled through Asia this week, and that demonstrates, just as the event today does, this administration's commitment to America's engagement with Japan and the crucial Asia-Pacific region, where so much of the history of the 21st century is being written," Clinton said Tuesday in the East Room.

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"When so much is happening to change the ways that we work and live, and how we connect with one another, how we relate to the rest of the world, it's so important for us to recognize the critical role that the arts play in helping us understand our past and present while inspiring us to create a better future," she said. "As President Biden said when he reestablished the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the arts invigorate and strengthen our democracy and point the way toward progress."

Clinton received sustained applause when she was introduced by first lady Jill Biden, who thanked the former Democratic presidential nominee, secretary of state, senator, and first lady for her "lifetime" of service, which "has left an indelible mark on this country."

"Wow, you are so loved," Biden said.

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Clinton's appearance at the White House coincides with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) on Tuesday directing House Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY), in addition to two other congressional committee chairmen, to initiate an impeachment inquiry into Joe Biden and the Biden family's business dealings.

The Praemium Imperiale is a global arts prize awarded annually by the Japan Art Association for lifetime achievement in the arts. The Praemium Imperiale Laureates were first celebrated at the White House by Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, in 1994. Bill Clinton was impeached by the House in 1998.