Trump hosts 6,000 for Halloween

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump distributed candy to approximately 6,000 attendees at the White House on Thursday for the annual Halloween celebration. The event took place at an entrance leading to the South Lawn and was open to government officials, military personnel, and civilian families.

The president had just returned from a campaign rally in South Carolina, a stop made in preparation for the upcoming midterm elections. He joined his wife at the venue to hand out treats to children dressed in costumes. The gathering marked the second time during the current administration that the presidential couple organized a trick-or-treat event prior to the holiday.

Senior administration officials participated in the festivities. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller were present. The White House grounds were decorated with dozens of pumpkins, red and orange floral arrangements, and a large Harvest Moon display to mark the autumn season.

A giant pumpkin provided by the Department of Agriculture served as a central backdrop for photographs. Attendees also received small pumpkins and apples as parting gifts. Various stations set up on the lawn offered coloring books, science experiment kits, and toys for the visitors.

Melania Trump wore a brown trench coat by Noor Hammour and heels by Manolo Blahnik. The couple posed with guests dressed as wizards, dinosaurs, police officers, and former presidents including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Trump signed a document resembling a copy of the Declaration of Independence for one of the attendees.

The Air Force band Strolling Strings performed traditional Halloween melodies and classic songs during the event. The music prompted the president to dance for a short period. The gathering concluded with a low-altitude flyover by Air Force One, which passed close to the White House roof and drew applause from the crowd.