First Lady Melania Trump stood motionless beside her husband at the White House on Sunday, Dec. 14, as President Donald Trump delivered rambling remarks about her past Christmas decoration controversies and claimed credit for her recent positive reviews.
The first lady stared blankly while the president recounted the criticism she faced during his first term in office. Trump told guests at the Christmas reception how media outlets had attacked her decoration choices year after year.
“Melania did all of these decorations, and she’s gotten great reviews. The first year, year one, she did the trees, they were white and they were so beautiful. And the fake news hit her hard. The next year, they were red. Gorgeous red. They hit her hard. The next year, they were another color. They hit her,” he said.
Trump then revealed he had personally instructed his wife on how to avoid further criticism, telling her to make the trees green. He suggested this advice led to improved reception of her work, boasting that nobody has ever received reviews like those the first lady now enjoys for the White House decorations.
The president’s commentary on his wife’s decorating efforts comes against the backdrop of a leaked 2018 recording in which Melania expressed frustration about her holiday duties. In that conversation with an aide, she complained about working intensely on Christmas preparations while questioning who cares about the decorations.
During her brief remarks at the reception, Melania shifted attention to recent tragedies, expressing sympathy for victims of shootings at Brown University and in Australia. She then encouraged guests to explore the White House and visit Santa Claus, who was stationed in the Green Room for photo opportunities with children.
“I would like that you enjoy today the White House. It’s a special place, and we have a Santa visiting today. I hope you saw him, and if not, go to visit him in the Green Room, the family room, game room. He’s waiting for you. You could take pictures and maybe whisper to him what you would like to have as a present for Christmas,” she said.
This year’s White House Christmas theme is “Home is Where the Heart is,” which Melania said reflects her experiences with motherhood. She explained that the constant movement in her life has taught her that home represents the warmth and comfort she carries within, rather than a physical location.
The theme takes on particular significance given reports about Melania’s limited presence at the White House during the first 108 days of her husband’s second term. The first lady has maintained residences in multiple locations while balancing her official duties.
During Trump’s first administration, Melania established distinct themes for each year’s decorations. In 2017, she chose “time-honored traditions” featuring classic designs emphasizing national pride and military support. The following year brought “American Treasures,” highlighting American history with representations of national landmarks. Her 2019 theme, “Spirit of America,” continued the patriotic focus with state-specific elements throughout the displays.
The first year’s white tree decorations drew particular scrutiny from critics who questioned the aesthetic choices. The subsequent year’s red trees also generated controversy and widespread media attention. These reactions apparently prompted Trump’s advice to his wife about returning to traditional green trees.
This year’s decorations include a unique touch: a Lego representation of Trump himself incorporated into the holiday displays. The White House has reopened for public tours, allowing Americans to view the first lady’s latest decorating work firsthand.
The Sunday reception highlighted the ongoing public interest in the dynamics between the president and first lady. Melania’s expressionless demeanor while Trump discussed her past struggles and his role in her current success sparked commentary about their relationship and her comfort level with public appearances.
Presidential spouses traditionally take charge of White House holiday decorations, a responsibility that requires extensive planning and coordination with staff. The annual unveiling generates significant media coverage and public interest, with each first lady’s choices subject to immediate analysis and criticism. The tradition represents both an opportunity for personal expression and a potential source of controversy depending on public reception.
The first lady’s visible reaction, or lack thereof, during her husband’s remarks added another layer to public perceptions of her role and feelings about her position. Her blank stare while Trump lectured about decoration strategies contrasted with the animated engagement typically expected during such public events.
