Donald and Melania Trump Celebrate Halloween at the White House Following High-Stakes Asia Trip
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed thousands of children to the South Lawn of the White House for Halloween festivities Thursday evening, just hours after returning from a major overseas trip across Asia.
Fresh off Air Force One from South Korea, Trump wasted no time jumping back into action — this time in festive fashion — handing out Halloween candy alongside the First Lady in a scene that combined diplomacy with delight. Children in colorful costumes stretched down the walkways as the Trumps handed out full-size Hershey’s bars and Twizzlers wrapped in Halloween-themed packages adorned with the Presidential Seal and their signatures.
The event also saw a host of familiar faces from the administration. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was seen with her husband and toddler, who was dressed adorably as a pumpkin. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and his wife Katie joined in, donning skeleton costumes with their children in tow.
Despite the jet lag — with their bodies still on South Korea time — the president and First Lady remained on the lawn for several hours, with Trump in his signature navy suit and MAGA hat, and Melania sporting a fall-colored jacket and heels. The festive event followed a whirlwind diplomatic trip where President Trump reportedly secured multiple trade and mineral deals across Japan, Malaysia, and South Korea, while also meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and overseeing a new regional peace agreement.
“President Trump secured billions in new investment, oversaw a peace agreement, inked multiple trade and mineral deals, met with President Xi, and more,” said spokeswoman Taylor Rogers. “He never stops working!”
The lighthearted Halloween celebration brought a cheerful break to the seriousness of global affairs. Children were greeted by a live performance from the U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings, who played spooky classics and fan-favorite movie themes. At one point, Trump signaled the musicians to switch to a more energetic tune, giving them a hearty thumbs-up when they did.
Humorous moments filled the evening. One young girl tugged repeatedly at Trump’s arm to get his full attention. Another child arrived dressed as a toilet, complete with “wide load” lettering on the back — a costume that visibly caught Trump off guard. In a throwback to a viral Halloween moment from his previous term, Trump placed a candy bar atop the head of a child in a marshmallow costume, echoing the time he and Melania did the same with a young Minion years earlier.
IT HAPPENED AGAIN? https://t.co/nWrah224X7 pic.twitter.com/qBrryz6tmt
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) October 30, 2025
The White House also partnered with several government agencies and organizations for the event. The U.S. Postal Service handed out toy mail trucks and hosted a “BE BEST” postcard station. The Department of Agriculture offered free mini pumpkins and a photo opportunity with a giant gourd. Washington state apples were handed out courtesy of the International Fresh Produce Association, while sweet treats were provided by the National Confectioners Association.
Additional contributions came from NASA, the National Park Service, the U.S. Mint, the Secret Service, the White House Historical Association, and the Center of Science and Industry, creating a well-rounded and educational atmosphere.
At one point, President Trump looked out over the endless line of families and joked to the press, “It’s a long line. It’s almost as big as the ballroom!”
Even after a jam-packed diplomatic tour, the president showed no signs of slowing down — delivering both international results and Halloween candy in a single day.