Honestly, it’s hard to think about the holidays in Washington without picturing those 2018 red trees. You’ve seen the memes. They were called "murder trees," "Handmaid’s Tale" props, and even compared to the blood-slicked hallways from The Shining. But when you look at the actual history of Melania Trump Christmas decorations at the White House, the story is a lot more complex than just a few viral tweets. It was a four-year run (plus a 2025 return) of high-concept design that often felt more like an avant-garde art gallery than a traditional family home.
Melania Trump didn't just pick out a few ornaments. She basically treated the Executive Mansion like a runway.
The White Forest and the 2017 Debut
The first year set the tone. In 2017, the theme was "Time-Honored Traditions." It sounds safe, right? Well, not exactly. While the Blue Room held a massive 18-foot Balsam fir dripping with glass ornaments from every state, the East Colonnade stole the show—and the headlines.
She lined the hallway with stark, white-painted branches. They were illuminated from below, casting long, spindly shadows against the walls. To some, it was a "winter wonderland." To the internet, it looked like a portal to Narnia or a set piece from a horror movie. It’s kinda funny because, in person, those branches were meant to evoke a snowy forest, a classic European aesthetic. But through a camera lens, the minimalism felt cold to a lot of people used to the warm, cluttered "shabby chic" of previous administrations.
Those 2018 Red Trees: A Symbol of Valor or a Meme Goldmine?
Then came 2018. If 2017 was a whisper, 2018 was a shout. The theme was "American Treasures," and the "treasures" in the East Colonnade were forty topiary trees made entirely of red berries.
Why red? According to the First Lady’s office at the time, the color was an extension of the pales (the vertical stripes) found on the Presidential Seal. It was supposed to represent valor and bravery. But social media didn't see the seal; they saw car-wash brushes.
🔗 Read more: Curtain Bangs on Fine Hair: Why Yours Probably Look Flat and How to Fix It
"I think they look fantastic," Melania told a crowd at Liberty University that year. "In real life, they look even more beautiful."
She wasn't wrong about the craftsmanship. Each tree was hand-assembled by volunteers. It was a massive undertaking. But it highlighted the "style gap" between the Trumps and the public. Melania favored a high-fashion, "Vogue-ready" look. Most of America wanted "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
The "Spirit of America" and the Gingerbread Masterpieces
By 2019 and 2020, things shifted toward more recognizable patriotism. In 2019, "The Spirit of America" brought back the green trees. We saw "Be Best" ornaments made of Scrabble tiles and a heavy emphasis on American landmarks.
The Gingerbread House is always a huge deal. The White House pastry team is legendary. In 2019, they didn't just build the mansion; they built the Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Rushmore out of sugar.
2020 was arguably her most traditional year, titled "America the Beautiful."
💡 You might also like: Bates Nut Farm Woods Valley Road Valley Center CA: Why Everyone Still Goes After 100 Years
- The Gold Star Tree: A blue-draped tribute to fallen soldiers.
- The Official Tree: A 18.5-foot Fraser fir from West Virginia.
- The Red Room: Dedicated to first responders and frontline workers during the pandemic.
It was a somber, respectful nod to a very difficult year for the country.
The Secret Recordings and the "Who Cares" Controversy
We can't talk about Melania Trump Christmas decorations at the White House without mentioning the elephant in the room: the Stephanie Winston Wolkoff tapes. In 2020, recordings surfaced of the First Lady venting about the pressure of the job.
"I'm working my a** off on the Christmas stuff," she was heard saying. "Who gives a f*** about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?"
Critics used this as proof that she hated the tradition. However, her former press secretary, Stephanie Grisham, later clarified that Melania wasn't complaining about Christmas itself. She was complaining about being attacked by the media while she was doing the work. It’s a nuance that gets lost in the headlines. Most people have felt that "I'm working so hard and nobody appreciates it" vibe at their own jobs, though usually with fewer Swarovski crystals involved.
The 2025 Return: "Home Is Where The Heart Is"
Fast forward to her return in 2025. This time, the vibe changed again. President Trump actually joked during a reception that he told her, "Baby, do me a favor. Make the trees green."
📖 Related: Why T. Pepin’s Hospitality Centre Still Dominates the Tampa Event Scene
She listened—mostly. The 2025 theme, "Home Is Where The Heart Is," leaned heavily into warmth.
- Lego Portraits: In the Green Room, portraits of George Washington and Donald Trump were built from over 6,000 Lego pieces.
- Blue Butterflies: The Red Room was filled with 10,000 blue butterflies, symbolizing transformation and her "Fostering the Future" initiative.
- Patriotic Red, White, and Blue: The East Room focused on the upcoming "America 250" celebration.
How to Get the Look (Without the Controversy)
If you actually liked her aesthetic—the clean lines, the monochromatic themes, and the bold pops of color—you can pull it off at home.
Basically, you’ve gotta commit to a theme. Don't mix your "sentimental" ornaments with your "aesthetic" ornaments. Melania’s style was about rhythm. If you use one type of branch, use forty of them. If you use red, use only red in that specific area.
Next Steps for Your Own Holiday Planning:
- Pick a Monochromatic Palette: Try an all-white or all-gold tree for that high-fashion look.
- Use Natural Elements: Even the "murder trees" were made of berries. Incorporate real pine, dried citrus, or berries for texture.
- Focus on the Entryway: The East Colonnade worked because it was a "pathway." Use garland and lights to define the halls of your home, not just the living room.
- Research Past Themes: Look at the official White House archives from 2017-2020 to see the specific flora and ribbon styles used by designer Hervé Pierre, who often collaborated on these visions.
Whether you loved the "stark forest" or missed the traditional tinsel, there’s no denying that Melania Trump turned the White House into a conversation piece every December. She didn't just decorate; she made a statement.