December 4, 2025
Local
Local
WASHINGTON, Dec 2 — US First Lady Melania Trump unveiled this year’s White House Christmas decorations in a scaled-down setting after the East Wing was demolished to make way for President Donald Trump’s new US$300 million ballroom.
With the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is,” Melania showcased a giant Lego portrait of the president, a large gingerbread White House, thousands of butterflies and over 50 Christmas trees — all displayed solely in the main mansion due to reduced space.
The traditional East Wing, previously home to major holiday displays, has been torn down, leaving this year’s decorations concentrated inside the core of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
The centrepiece is an 18-foot fir tree in the Blue Room, featuring gold stars honouring families of fallen service members. Red, white and blue accents also highlight next year’s 250th anniversary of American independence, alongside elements of Melania’s “Be Best” initiative.
President Trump, whose second term ends in 2029, joked at a Christmas event: “We have a little more than three years left, and three years for Trump is an eternity.” — AFP
