Children dressed as police officers, soldiers, dolls, and racing drivers lined the White House grounds to receive treats from the president and first lady. Trump signed autographs — including on the costumes of two young racing drivers — while he and Melania posed for photographs with attending families. Among the more creative ensembles was a baby dressed as a paper ballot.
The festivities featured an unexpected spectacle when Air Force One flew over the White House, prompting the president and first lady to look up as the aircraft passed overhead, with the Washington Monument visible in the distance.
Several senior members of the Trump administration also attended the celebrations with their families, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The president and first lady greeted them alongside other guests during the event, which brought together children in an array of colorful costumes.
The White House Halloween celebration is an established tradition, giving invited families an opportunity to meet the president and first lady while taking part in the American custom of trick-or-treating. Held two days before Halloween itself, on 31 October, this year’s gathering combined the familiar ritual of handing out sweets with photographs, autographs, and a flypast by the presidential aircraft.