President Donald Trump and the first lady handed out candy to trick-or-treaters Thursday as part of the annual White House Halloween celebration, which also featured an Air Force flyover and Michigan apples.
Children and young teens in a variety of costumes received full-size candy bars and were greeted by the president and First Lady Melania Trump, who also posed with some of the children and parents for pictures or signed autographs. The first couple spoke with many of the children and their families throughout the event.
Guests included military and law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and administration officials with children.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and their families were among the first in line at the trick-or-treat event.
The Air Force Strolling Strings played traditional Halloween songs and other modern music, and Air Force One conducted a flyover.
A large model of a full moon was displayed on the balcony of the South Portico, which was decorated with orange and green vines. Orange, green, black, and white pumpkins were displayed along the White House steps.
After handing out candy, the president and first lady remained outside the White House for a time and listened to the Air Force Strolling Strings as the group performed.
In addition to the candy, the U.S. Postal Service provided toy mail trucks and facilitated a postcard station for children based on the first lady’s “Be Best” initiative, which promotes healthy living and online safety for children and raises awareness about the opioid epidemic.
The National Confectioners Association also provided sweets, and the International Fresh Produce Association gave out Michigan apples. Young trick-or-treaters were also given coloring books by the Treasury Department to promote Trump Accounts, the tax-advantaged investment accounts for U.S. citizens under 18.
The Department of Agriculture took part by hosting a giant pumpkin photo opportunity and giving away miniature pumpkins grown by American farmers. Other participants included the National Park Service, NASA, the U.S. Mint, the Secret Service, and the Center of Science and Industry.
The White House was first decorated for Halloween by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and First Lady Mamie Eisenhower in 1958.
The traditional Halloween festivities at the White House were started by President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy in the 1960s. Since then, presidents and first ladies have hosted events for trick-or-treaters at the White House and private parties for White House staff members and select guests.
President Trump and Melania Trump hosted Halloween events at the White House each year during Trump’s first term and have continued that tradition in his second term.
This year’s celebration comes as the president has held more than 20 rallies in the past month ahead of the midterm elections on Nov. 3. Before hosting Thursday’s event, Trump held a rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in support of Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.) and other Republican candidates.
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