Melania Trump Steps Out to Receive White House Christmas Tree After First-Term Tension About Holiday Decor

Melania Trump emerged from the presidential residence on Monday, Nov. 24, to greet the arrival of this year’s White House Christmas tree, officially ushering in the holiday season — one that has drawn both attention and criticism during her time as first lady.

The 55-year-old first lady accepted the tree from Korson’s Tree Farms of Michigan. The family-run farm earned the 2025 Grand Champion Growers title from the National Christmas Tree Association in July, becoming the first Michigan farm to win since 1985, according to a press release. As is tradition, the winning farm supplies the White House’s official tree; this one was chosen in September by Dale Haney, the White House superintendent of grounds.

With the tree now in place, Melania is expected to unveil her 2025 holiday decorations soon. Her approach to White House Christmas décor has been closely watched since Donald Trump’s first term.

After debuting a more classic style in 2017, Melania pivoted to a dramatically bolder look the following year. In 2018, she installed 40 blood-red, cone-shaped trees along the East Colonnade as part of a theme she called “American Treasures.” The striking display quickly sparked conversation online, with some viewers comparing the look to images from The Handmaid’s Tale and others to the dramatic visuals of The Shining.

At the time, the White House said the vivid red was inspired by the “pales, or stripes,” in the presidential seal created by the Founding Fathers, framing the color as a symbol of courage and bravery. Melania defended the display publicly, saying she hoped visitors would see it in person and emphasizing that tastes naturally differ.

Her role as the face of holiday decorating also became a flashpoint during Trump’s first administration. In 2020, CNN aired leaked audio from 2018 in which Melania expressed frustration at being tasked with planning and coordinating the Christmas presentation while also facing criticism tied to her husband’s immigration policies. In the recording, she is heard venting that no matter what she did, she was still blamed for unrelated controversies.

This year, Melania has already offered a small preview of her seasonal style. In a short video posted on X on Oct. 8, she was shown arranging a gold-themed holiday display with ornaments and garlands. She later revealed her White House Halloween decorations as well, choosing a restrained autumn look featuring pumpkins and fall leaves lining the outdoor steps and walkways.