First Lady Jill Biden faced a wave of criticism following the release of the White House’s annual Christmas video.
Posted on social media on Wednesday night, December 13, 2023, the video showcased dancers from Dorrance Dance performing a vibrant rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” amidst the holiday decorations of the White House.
This year’s theme, “Magic, Wonder, and Joy,” was intended to inspire a sense of childlike wonder in viewers.
The video, described by Mrs. Biden as “a bit of magic, wonder, and joy,” depicted flamboyantly dressed dancers moving through various rooms of the President’s residence, each adorned with festive hangings and Christmas trees themed in red and white.
The White House statement, released on November 27, emphasized the intention to encourage visitors to embrace their inner child and indulge in the festive spirit of the holidays.
However, the reaction to the video on social media was mainly negative. Critics labeled the production as “bizarre,” “tacky,” and “tasteless,” with one user even calling it “The United States of Bananas.”
Some comments suggested that the video lacked the traditional Christmas spirit, and others questioned the cost to taxpayers. Comparisons were drawn to former First Lady Melania Trump’s Christmas videos, which were deemed more tasteful and seasonal.
Notably, the video was met with confusion and embarrassment by some viewers, with one commenting on the “second-hand embarrassment” it induced. Another remarked, “This is something of nightmares,” while another suggested that “The Nutcracker Suite deserves better.”
There were also accusations of the video being inappropriate for children and criticisms of it being a departure from the traditional Christmas aesthetic.
Despite the predominantly negative feedback, the video did receive some support. A handful of viewers praised the creativity and effort of Dorrance Dance, expressing enjoyment and appreciation for the festive performance. These supporters highlighted the video as a refreshing and innovative approach to holiday celebrations at the White House.
In contrast to this year’s reception, former First Lady Melania Trump’s Christmas videos, notably from 2018 featuring spooky red Christmas trees, had also faced their share of criticism, though they were generally regarded as adhering more closely to traditional Christmas themes.
