On Thursday, the White House South Lawn hosted 6,000 people welcomed by President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The couple handed out full-sized chocolate bars to young trick-or-treaters in costume. This surprise event included a double flyover by the new Air Force One. The plane roared overhead before turning to pass the lawn one last time.
The gathering took place from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on October 29, according to the Washington Examiner. New York Post reported that the Trumps greeted Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his family. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also attended with their kin. The lawn featured a massive harvest moon decoration on the balcony above. Silhouettes of flying bats moved across the orange-glowing moon for the crowd.
Construction on the new state ballroom continued nearby during the party. Sparks flew from metal saws as the event unfolded. The US Air Force string band played spooky songs in the background. One boy dressed as a founding father gave the president a historic document. New York Post noted this was believed to be either the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence. Two race car drivers had their uniforms signed by the president later in the evening.
President Trump returned from a campaign rally in South Carolina just days before the general election. He marked Halloween two days early by opening the White House to families, per the Washington Times. The event included military families, law enforcement officers, and foster or adoptive parents. Washington Examiner confirmed that the new Air Force One flew over the White House twice. The plane featured its signature red, white, blue, and gold paint scheme. The president paused to point the aircraft out to the children before returning to the festivities.
Trump performed a small shimmy to the “Ghostbusters” theme song at one point. This moment showed the relaxed atmosphere among the guests. New York Post detailed how the administration staff brought their families to enjoy the night. The decorations set a festive tone for the thousands of visitors. No formal speeches were noted in the reporting from the outlets. The focus remained on the interaction between the First Family and the children.
The event concluded as the sun set on the South Lawn. The new ballroom construction will continue while the White House prepares for the upcoming election. Washington Examiner reported that the rally in South Carolina was for Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC). The Halloween celebration served as a break from the intense campaign schedule. The 6,000 attendees received their treats and watched the historic flyover.
