Trump Hosts White House Halloween Bash with Superheroes, Presidential Costumes/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump hosted a festive Halloween event at the White House amid an ongoing government shutdown. Children dressed as superheroes, skeletons, and even the Trumps filled the South Lawn. The celebration took place shortly after Trump returned from a trip to Asia and while political tensions continue over budget negotiations.
White House Halloween Bash Quick Look
- Event Date: October 30, 2025
- Location: South Lawn, White House, Washington, D.C.
- Occasion: Annual White House Halloween celebration
- Guests: Military families, White House staff, hundreds of costumed children
- Notable Costumes: Superheroes, ballerinas, skeletons, mini Trumps and Melanias
- Decor: Fall-themed with pumpkins, mums, and large autumn leaves
- Backdrop: Construction of a new White House ballroom, East Wing demolition visible
- Context: Government shutdown in Day 30, Trump just returned from Asia
- Political Tension: Disagreements over tax credits and federal spending stall negotiations
Deep Look
Trump Hosts White House Halloween Party as Government Shutdown Reaches Day 30
Despite a prolonged government shutdown and a demanding overseas trip, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump carried on the White House Halloween tradition Thursday evening, hosting a lively and colorful celebration on the South Lawn.
Dressed in a blue suit, red tie, and his trademark red “USA” cap, President Trump appeared alongside the First Lady, who wore a brown coat layered over an orange dress. While the couple chose not to wear costumes, hundreds of children arrived in full Halloween attire, ranging from classic superheroes like Spider-Man and Captain America to ballerinas, princesses, skeletons, and even miniature versions of the presidential couple.
The evening began with an orchestral version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” playing in the background as the Trumps emerged to greet the crowd. They handed out full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers—packaged in White House boxes featuring the presidential seal—while the line of families stretched down the South Lawn driveway.
Behind the scenes, a large-scale construction project—the building of a new White House ballroom—continues to reshape the landscape. The East Wing has been demolished to make room for the new structure, and though temporary walls concealed much of the work, a parked bulldozer remained visible nearby. Trump quipped about the long line of guests being “almost as big as the ballroom.”
Among the attendees were the children of military service members and White House staff. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt brought her young son, dressed as a pumpkin. Former administration aide Katie Miller arrived in a skeleton costume, while her husband, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, opted for a business suit.
Some costumes took a patriotic twist. A pair of boys wore suits and red Trump hats, dressed to resemble the president himself, while a girl in their group wore an elegant white coat and dress reminiscent of the First Lady’s signature style. Many parents also sported “USA” caps to match the president.
Although the event retained its lighthearted and festive tone, it occurred in the shadow of serious national issues. The federal government remained partially closed for the 30th consecutive day due to a budget impasse between the White House and congressional Democrats. The shutdown has threatened key programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which millions rely on for food assistance, and prompted sharp partisan disagreements over health insurance tax credits.
President Trump has publicly called for the elimination of the Senate filibuster to force a budget resolution without needing Democratic support. Meanwhile, Democrats have stood firm in demanding that expired tax credits be reinstated as part of any reopening deal.
Adding to the economic tension, Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports have reportedly led to increased costs for Halloween merchandise, including costumes. Retailers and consumers alike have faced higher prices and reduced inventories, although this did little to dampen the spirits at the White House event.
Despite the serious backdrop, the celebration offered a moment of levity for families. Trump reportedly shared a laugh with a young boy wearing an inflatable toilet costume emblazoned with “Wide Load” as the costume’s theme. Though inaudible, the president’s reaction seemed to amuse the child and those nearby.
This Halloween gathering followed Trump’s six-day diplomatic tour of Asia, which included visits to Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and China. Upon returning to Washington, he wasted no time resuming his public schedule, even as domestic tensions over the shutdown continued to rise.
The White House Halloween party has long been a tradition for both Republican and Democratic administrations, offering a brief respite from politics in the spirit of family, community, and celebration. However, this year’s event underscored the stark contrast between Washington’s festive atmosphere and the financial uncertainty facing millions of Americans nationwide.
As the standoff over federal spending drags on, the images of trick-or-treaters on the South Lawn are likely to remain one of the few light-hearted moments in a fall otherwise defined by gridlock and growing public frustration.
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