First Lady Melania Trump has launched a new collection of Christmas ornaments priced between $75 and $90 each, drawing sharp criticism from social media users who labeled her a “grifter” amid rising consumer prices across the nation.
The brass-and-enamel ornaments, part of the 250 Collection named for next year’s semiquincentennial celebration, feature American landmarks including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Mount Rushmore, alongside three designs with patriotic imagery. The complete set of six ornaments sells for $465 and includes an engraving of the first lady’s signature plus an optional “unique digital collectible.”
According to Trump’s statement cited by The Hill, “I am excited to continue this annual holiday tradition with the Celebrating America collection of ornaments.” She noted that she sought inspiration in the nation’s upcoming 250th birthday and the holiday blessings Americans enjoy.
The announcement comes at a time when food prices are jumping at their fastest monthly rate in nearly three years, with beef and coffee hitting record highs despite President Donald Trump’s campaign promise to cut prices on day one of his administration. Orders placed today may take 10 to 12 weeks to ship, potentially arriving just before Christmas.
Critics on social media platforms responded with accusations of profiteering. Multiple users characterized the Trump family as engaged in grifting activities, with one posting that the couple represents the “griftiest, grifting couple ever” in reference to the $90 ornaments. Another user suggested the White House should adopt the slogan “Hey, want to buy some crap?”
The ornament launch highlights a contrast with Trump’s previously recorded attitude toward holiday decorations. During President Donald Trump’s previous term in office, leaked recordings from 2020 revealed her complaining about Christmas responsibilities. In those recordings, released by former friend and aide Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Trump expressed frustration about working on Christmas preparations and questioned who cares about holiday decorations.
Social media users noted this apparent contradiction, with one commenting that this season she apparently does care about Christmas decorations and materials. The first lady was previously known for unusual design choices during holiday celebrations at the White House during the previous Trump administration.
The expensive ornaments represent the latest commercial venture for the first lady, who has previously used artificial intelligence technology for other projects. Earlier this year, she released an audiobook version of her memoir “Melania,” narrated entirely by an AI-generated replica of her voice through startup ElevenLabs, available for $25 in the ElevenReader app.
The timing of the ornament announcement coincides with broader criticism of the Trump administration’s spending priorities. President Trump has announced plans for a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House, which would dwarf the main residence’s 55,000 square feet. Critics have characterized this project as excessive during a period when federal programs in medical research, education, food and healthcare face cuts.
Social media reactions to the ornament pricing reflected broader concerns about economic inequality. Users pointed out the disconnect between luxury holiday items and working Americans’ struggles to afford basic necessities like groceries, childcare and healthcare. One critic described the ornaments as representing “a huge monstrosity for rich and connected people,” while middle-class and poor Americans face financial hardships.
The first lady’s limited public schedule has also drawn attention, with CNN reporting only 19 public days for her during the current term, compared to 40 at the same point in the previous presidency. She has skipped several high-profile events, including meetings with foreign leaders, and reportedly spends much of her time in New York rather than Washington.
The ornament collection continues the first lady’s practice of creating annual holiday merchandise, though the pricing appears significantly higher than typical seasonal decorations available to average consumers. The controversy surrounding the launch reflects ongoing tensions about the perceived commercialization of the White House and questions about appropriate uses of the first lady’s platform during economically challenging times for many Americans.
