President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump brought Halloween cheer to the White House Thursday evening, welcoming thousands of families for a festive celebration filled with costumes, candy, music and a few presidential surprises.
The White House South Lawn was transformed into a colorful autumn wonderland as children dressed as everything from superheroes and soldiers to race car drivers lined up for a chance to meet the president and first lady.
Trump and Melania personally greeted young visitors, handed out commemorative chocolate bars and posed for photographs during the annual trick-or-treating tradition.
Candy, Costumes And Presidential Surprises
The celebration featured an elaborate harvest-themed display, with orange, white, green and black pumpkins decorating the South Portico.
A giant glowing moon overlooked the festivities, while the words “Halloween 2026” appeared in gold beneath the display.
Adding to the atmosphere, the U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings performed Halloween favorites and other musical selections as families made their way through the decorated grounds.
Trump appeared to enjoy the entertainment, even showing off a few dance moves to the familiar “Ghostbusters” theme.
The president also took time to sign autographs, including the racing uniforms of two young trick-or-treaters dressed as drivers.
Other children arrived in patriotic costumes, including military and police uniforms, while families stopped to capture photographs with the presidential couple.
A Special Evening For American Families
The White House celebration welcomed military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and children of administration officials.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller were among the administration officials who attended with their families.
Throughout the South Lawn, participating organizations offered a variety of treats and activities.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture provided mini pumpkins from American farmers and a giant pumpkin photo opportunity, while the U.S. Postal Service distributed toy mail trucks and hosted a BE BEST postcard station.
Young guests also received Michigan apples, coloring books and science-themed activities from participating organizations.
Air Force One Adds A Grand Finale
One of the evening’s biggest surprises came when the presidential aircraft made two passes over the White House, drawing attention from the president, first lady and families gathered below.
Trump waved as the aircraft passed overhead, adding a uniquely presidential moment to the Halloween celebration.
The White House celebrated the flyover on social media, calling it “An epic Air Force One flyover at the White House for the trick-or-treaters!”
The evening combined a beloved American holiday tradition with the opportunity for families to experience the White House up close.
From festive decorations and Halloween treats to presidential greetings and the dramatic aircraft flyover, the celebration offered young visitors a memorable start to Halloween weekend.
Watch the celebration:
Official White House video: Trump and Melania host Halloween
Video: Trump and Melania greet trick-or-treaters
Video highlights: Trump hands out candy as Air Force One flies overhead
