Melania Trump Welcomes White House Christmas Tree/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ morning Edition/ First lady Melania Trump welcomed the 2025 White House Christmas tree on Monday. The 18.5-foot white fir from Michigan’s Korson’s Tree Farms arrived by horse-drawn carriage. It will be displayed in the Blue Room as Melania prepares to unveil this year’s holiday décor theme.
Melania Trump Welcomes 2025 Christmas Tree Quick Looks
- Tree from Michigan’s Korson’s Tree Farms delivered to White House
- Farm won National Christmas Tree Association’s 2025 contest
- Tree transported by Clydesdales Logan and Ben via carriage
- Melania Trump greeted tree in cream coat and red gloves
- 18.5-foot white fir to be placed in the Blue Room
- Holiday decor follows prior controversy over Melania’s past designs
- Decor reveal expected soon following Halloween display
- Melania teases gold-themed decorations in October video
Melania Trump Welcomes White House Christmas Tree
Deep Look
First Lady Melania Trump ushered in the holiday season Monday by formally receiving the 2025 White House Christmas Tree, continuing a cherished tradition at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
The 18.5-foot white fir, grown at Korson’s Tree Farms in Michigan, arrived in festive fashion via horse-drawn carriage, pulled by two Clydesdales named Logan and Ben. The ceremonial delivery took place at the North Portico, where Melania—wearing a cream-colored coat and deep red gloves—greeted the drivers, posed for photos, and admired the towering tree, calling it “a beautiful tree.”
The white fir will be prominently displayed in the Blue Room, the customary location for the White House’s official Christmas tree. The towering tree was selected by Dale Haney, the White House grounds superintendent, and is expected to serve as the centerpiece for the first lady’s yet-to-be-unveiled 2025 holiday theme.
Korson’s Tree Farms earned the honor of providing the tree after winning the National Christmas Tree Association’s Grand Champion Grower title—a competition that has determined the official White House tree since 1966. The Michigan-based farm is the first from the state to secure the title since 1985.
This holiday season marks Melania Trump’s return to White House Christmas traditions, following years of high-profile scrutiny and commentary over her approach to holiday decorations during her husband’s previous term. Her bold and unconventional choices, especially the 2018 “American Treasures” red tree display, sparked widespread discussion and mixed public reaction.
That year’s décor—featuring 40 crimson cone-shaped trees along the East Colonnade—drew comparisons to dystopian imagery and even horror films. The red trees, however, were described by the White House at the time as symbols of valor, inspired by the presidential seal. Melania defended the choice, saying, “In real life, they look even more beautiful. Everyone is welcome to come and see it.”
Controversy deepened in 2020 when leaked audio from the 2018 season captured Melania expressing frustration about public criticism and her obligations in holiday planning. “Who gives a f— about the Christmas stuff and decorations?” she said in the recording, underscoring the personal stress behind the scenes.
This year, however, Melania appears to be steering toward a more traditional and elegant aesthetic. In early October, she previewed a gold-themed display in a short video posted to X (formerly Twitter), featuring garlands, ornaments, and other classic holiday touches.
Her 2025 Halloween decorations, which included pumpkins and fall leaves with minimal spooky elements, hinted at a more understated and refined approach to holiday style during her current tenure.
The Christmas tree’s arrival now sets the stage for the unveiling of this year’s full holiday décor, expected in the coming days. As always, the White House will open parts of the residence to visitors and tours throughout the season, allowing the public to experience the festive transformation firsthand.
Whether this year’s decorations continue the elegant preview glimpsed in October or bring another unexpected twist, all eyes will be on the East Wing’s reveal, as Melania reclaims the holiday spotlight in Washington.
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