President Donald Trump marked the onset of the Christmas season on Monday, unveiling a traditional holiday setup at the White House. An official photo released by the administration captured President Trump standing next to a grand Christmas tree adorned with gold ribbons and red baubles, a design choice seen as a nod to classic American holiday aesthetics.
The image, shared by President Trump with the caption "We're saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again!", quickly spread across social media, becoming one of the most extensively shared presidential holiday posts in recent memory. The sentiment reaffirmed a commitment President Trump made during his earlier term in office, which resonated with a significant portion of the American populace.
In the backdrop of the photo, portraits of former Presidents Abraham Lincoln and George Washington are visible, alongside other historical figures, providing a backdrop of historical significance to the festive display. This year's White House Christmas theme centers on tradition, faith, and national pride, drawing a contrast with previous years' decorations under the administration of Joe Biden.
Critiques of the 2024 White House Christmas decorations—spearheaded by then-First Lady Jill Biden—were particularly pointed, with several social media users lambasting the decorations as unconventional and lackluster. Descriptions from online commenters labeled them as "cheap and ugly," and some posts mockingly suggested that the decor was a fitting summary of the preceding four years.
In contrast, the 2025 holiday tree featured at the White House stands as a symbol of traditional values and American heritage. The tree's profile starkly differs from the subdued White House tree of 2024 and the more whimsical centerpiece carousel installation from the same year, which evoked memories of vintage holiday decor from the Great Depression era.
The holiday spirit at the White House in 2023 took a different turn with a video posted by Jill Biden, showcasing dancers from Dorrance Dance performing a rendition of The Nutcracker Suite. The theme that year aimed to capture "Magic, Wonder, and Joy."
In the realm of White House renovations, last month's announcement revealed plans for reopening public tours, which had been halted since August due to preparations for the installation of a $300 million ballroom as part of the Trump administration's initiatives. The renovations involved the demolition of a section of the executive mansion that had served as the main entrance for holiday visitors and a favored spot for holiday photo opportunities.
