Trump Welcomes Trick-or-Treaters at White House Halloween Celebration
Journey Tribune — The White House took on a festive, family-friendly atmosphere Thursday evening as President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed costumed children and their parents for the annual Halloween celebration. The South Lawn was transformed into a picture-perfect autumn setting, complete with pumpkins, twinkling lights, and the laughter of hundreds of trick-or-treaters making their way toward the First Couple.
Despite returning to Washington only hours earlier from a multi-day diplomatic trip to Asia, President Trump appeared in high spirits, greeting guests with handshakes, jokes, and even a few high-fives. Neither he nor the First Lady wore costumes, opting instead for formal fall attire as they handed out full-sized chocolate bars to eager visitors.
“It’s a long line,” the president remarked with a grin, waving toward the seemingly endless stream of families. “Almost as big as the ballroom!” he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd and reporters gathered nearby.
A Night of Costumes and Candy
The event, held annually on the White House grounds, drew a diverse mix of families — including members of the military, law enforcement officers, foster and adoptive parents, and children of White House staff. The First Couple spent nearly an hour greeting guests, chatting briefly with parents, and admiring the creative costumes.
Among the standout costumes of the evening was a young boy dressed as President Trump himself — complete with a red tie, combed-over hair, and a confident stance. The president laughed and gave his mini lookalike a high-five, a moment that quickly became one of the night’s highlights.
Another visitor arrived in a costume inspired by electronic DJ Marshmello, prompting Trump to balance a piece of candy on the child’s helmet — a playful nod to a viral moment from the White House’s 2019 Halloween event.
Groups of children also arrived dressed as Trump’s favorite fast-food chains, including a family cleverly costumed as burgers, fries, and milkshakes. One child came dressed as a professional golfer, earning a signed golf ball from the president himself.
Throughout the evening, the Air Force Band provided a lively soundtrack, mixing spooky classics with pop favorites. Instrumental renditions of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive,” and Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” played as families made their way along the decorated paths toward the main entrance.
Lighthearted Encounters and Warm Gestures
As always, Melania Trump played the role of gracious hostess. She knelt to comfort a shy young trick-or-treater who seemed overwhelmed by the crowd and posed for photos with families dressed as characters from Sesame Street and Disney favorites.
The president also shared lighthearted exchanges with several familiar faces from his administration. White House adviser Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie Miller, showed up in skeleton costumes with their children, while Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attended with her husband and son, dressed as a superhero family.
In one particularly warm moment, President Trump was seen greeting retired NFL star Tom Brady — a longtime friend — alongside a child dressed as Winnie-the-Pooh, further adding to the mix of political figures, athletes, and pop culture references that defined the evening.
Tradition and Politics Aside, a Family Event
For all the political weight that often surrounds life in Washington, the White House Halloween celebration remains one of the few moments in the year when the mansion’s gates open to everyday families for a night of lighthearted fun. The event, which dates back decades, has continued under multiple administrations as a cherished nonpartisan tradition.
Trump, known for his love of showmanship and large crowds, seemed to relish the opportunity to play host. He smiled for photos, complimented the costumes, and even paused to admire some of the elaborate decorations that lined the walkway — from floating ghosts and jack-o’-lanterns to life-sized candy displays.
“Happy Halloween, everybody,” he called out repeatedly as families passed by, many stopping to snap photos or wave back.
A Festive Pause in a Busy Week
The event provided a brief but welcome break in an otherwise packed week for the president, who had just concluded meetings in Tokyo and Seoul focused on trade and security. Back home in Washington, the Halloween celebration offered a lighter, more personal side of presidential life — one filled not with speeches or policy debates, but with smiles, laughter, and candy.
By the end of the hour, the Trumps had greeted hundreds of guests, and the South Lawn gradually emptied as the autumn evening cooled. Yet the photos — of the president high-fiving his doppelgänger, of Melania comforting a small child, and of families walking away with their treats — captured the spirit of the night: a moment of joy and community against the stately backdrop of the White House.
