First Lady Melania Trump only spent two minutes and 50 seconds at the White House Christmas tree ceremony this year, according to the Daily Beast. Her quick appearance has left some questions.
According to the outlet, Melania “circled the horse-drawn carriage carrying the first family’s Christmas tree” donated by Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan (this year’s National Grand Champion tree grower, per the National Christmas Tree Association). She called it “beautiful” and stopped for a few handshakes and photos before heading back inside. Video also shows her chatting with the carriage drivers while wearing a cream coat and burgundy gloves.
The Christmas tree this year was gifted to the White House by Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan, which was crowned this year’s National Grand Champion tree grower by the National Christmas Tree Association.
The Daily Beast noted that Melania’s Christmas decorations during President Donald Trump’s first term in the office for were met with criticism in part for being scary – some even calling the red trees “murder trees” – and cited a CNN report that she complained about the decorating duties in the past. USA Today also called her holiday decorations “polarizing.” This year, the first lady teased a gold color scheme for holiday décor in a video posted to X in October.
That choice echoes her husband’s love of gold décor and changes he’s made to the White House this year. Those changes have also been criticized, particularly in online comments.
“The arrival of the Christmas tree hints that Melania’s holiday decor will be fully revealed soon – though it should be more minimal compared to years past, given the destruction of the White House’s East Wing, which typically housed the display,” the outlet added. Currently, a ballroom project is under construction in the East Wing of the White House.
In the past, Melania has been known to be selective about her public appearances, particularly after her husband’s first term in office. Back in 2023, her lack of appearances beside her husband as he kicked off his campaign for the 2024 presidential election caught media attention.
From the time Trump took office again in January through this May, Melania reportedly had only spent 14 days at the White House. However, she has appeared publicly to support legislation against revenge pornography and efforts to reunite children separated from their families due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
This week, Melania also attended the annual turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House. Fox News reported that the president and first lady had landed in Florida as of Wednesday and would be spending Thanksgiving and Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
“The White House did not immediately respond to request for comment Monday,” said the Daily Beast of Melania and the White House holiday decorations.