Melania Unveils Halloween as Critics Target $300M Ballroom

First Lady Melania Trump unveiled the White House's 2025 Halloween decorations, posting photos of staircases lined with pumpkins and a “Halloween 2025” sign while helping hand out candy on the South Lawn. It marks her first full holiday season at the White House since 2020. President Trump, who had returned from a five‑day Asia trip hours earlier, took a warmer role greeting children from military, law‑enforcement, foster and administration families. Supporters called the moments wholesome, but the display and timing drew sharp criticism as tone‑deaf amid a government shutdown, proposed cuts to SNAP benefits and the recent demolition of the East Wing to make way for his controversial $300 million ballroom. Coverage was divided, with some outlets emphasizing family‑style moments and others framing the decorations and timing as politically charged and insensitive.