By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trumps-host-halloween-celebration-at-the-white-house Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Trumps host Halloween celebration at the White House Politics Oct 29, 2026 7:53 PM EDT President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump handed out candy to hundreds of costumed kids outside the White House residence at Thursday's annual Halloween celebration. Watch the event in the video player above. A line of visitors stretched down the driveway while the Trumps, who were not wearing costumes, passed out jumbo candy bars. Trump chatted with parents and posed for photos alongside children dressed as figures including Barbie, Tigger, Batman and several founding fathers. READ MORE: Melania Trump shares the spotlight with a robot at an education and technology event The White House entrance was bedecked with pumpkins, ivy and a giant faux moon for the occasion, while a military performed Halloween classics. Midway through, Trump paused to take in a low flyover of his Qatari Air Force One jet. After about an hour, and after Trump…
WATCH: Trumps host Halloween celebration at the White House
In short
The White House driveway was decorated with pumpkins, ivy, and a giant faux moon while a military ensemble performed classic seasonal songs. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump spent the hour-long gathering chatting with parents and greeting children dressed as characters like Barbie, Batman, and founding fathers. Midway through the candy distribution, the president briefly stopped the meet-and-greet to watch a low flyover of his Qatari Air Force One jet. The couple then headed back indoors following a brief dance to the "Ghostbusters" theme song.
Key points
- The annual White House Halloween celebration welcomed hundreds of families for an outdoor…: The annual White House Halloween celebration welcomed hundreds of families for an outdoor meet-and-greet on Thursday.
- A military group provided live musical entertainment by playing classic Halloween songs t…: A military group provided live musical entertainment by playing classic Halloween songs throughout the gathering.
- The festivities wrapped up after approximately one hour when the president and first lady…: The festivities wrapped up after approximately one hour when the president and first lady returned inside.