President Trump Hosts White House Halloween Amid Government Shutdown
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted a Halloween celebration at the White House for hundreds of costumed guests, including children, despite an ongoing government shutdown.
Overview
- President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted their annual Halloween event at the White House, opening the South Lawn to trick-or-treaters.
- Hundreds of costumed guests, including children dressed as superheroes and presidential lookalikes, attended the festive White House Halloween bash.
- The White House was adorned with autumn-themed decorations, and the Air Force Band performed spooky tunes and pop hits for entertainment.
- Attendees received full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in boxes featuring the presidential seal, distributed by the President and First Lady.
- The celebration took place amid a government shutdown, with President Trump also calling for government reopening while Democrats pushed for tax credit extensions.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, primarily focusing on descriptive reporting of the White House Halloween festivities. They present factual details about the event, including costumes, presidential interactions, and historical context, without employing loaded language or overt editorial bias. The inclusion of the government shutdown context serves as a factual update rather than a framing device.
"Strings of orange, gold, and brown leaves cascaded around the portico balcony."
USA TODAY"President Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted star athletes, princesses, dinosaurs and at least one Trump impersonator at the White House's annual Halloween event Thursday."
CBS News"The couple handed out full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in boxes with the presidential seal to a line of children and their parents that stretched down the driveway."
ABC News"The couple handed out full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in boxes with the presidential seal to a line of children and their parents that stretched down the driveway."
Associated PressArticles (6)
Center (4)
FAQ
President Trump hosted the annual White House Halloween event despite the ongoing government shutdown, simultaneously calling for the government to reopen while Democrats pushed for tax credit extensions, signaling an attempt to maintain traditions and public relations during a political impasse.
The 2025 White House Halloween celebration featured hundreds of costumed guests including children dressed as superheroes and presidential lookalikes, autumn-themed decorations on the South Lawn, live performances by the Air Force Band playing spooky tunes and pop hits, and distribution of full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in presidential seal boxes by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
The 2025 event under President Trump focused on a traditional party with costumes, candy, and decorations amid a government shutdown, contrasting with the Biden administration's 2023 'Hallo-READ!' themed event that combined Halloween treats with literacy promotion and featured large attendance with activities like story time and live pumpkin carving demonstrations.
The White House was decorated with autumn-themed decor including pumpkins and mums, while guests received full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in boxes featuring the presidential seal, distributed directly by President Trump and the First Lady.
Yes, aside from hosting the Halloween celebration, President Trump used the occasion to call for the reopening of the government as the shutdown continued, while Democrats were advocating for extensions of tax credits, highlighting the political tensions occurring simultaneously with the festive event.
History
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