Interesting, since I have been through White House security three times in the last 16 months and it was a stated policy and SOP, but I would guess it depends on what kind of business you were on. Did you enter as a tourist? As long as you pass a metal detector I am sure they could care less.

If you process to enter for a meeting, the ID is taken, logged, then returned.
Same as if an ID screener is verifying picture to identity.

Were you a tourist or going to a function or have a meeting? In my three meetings there it was planly listed at the log booth to hand over you ID to verify the meeting and who you are.

Ciao,
FH