First Lady Melania Trump turned heads on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, as she welcomed the official White House Christmas tree in a striking winter ensemble that quickly captured public attention. The 55-year-old businesswoman marked the beginning of the holiday season at the White House with an appearance that showcased her signature fashion-forward approach.
Trump stepped out in a chic cashmere coat in an eggshell or burgundy color, paired with bold red leather gloves that became an immediate focal point of her look. She completed the ensemble with Manolo Blahnik tartan heels, creating a sophisticated holiday appearance that balanced elegance with seasonal flair.
The massive 25-foot fir tree, grown at Korson’s Tree Farms in Sidney Township, Michigan—approximately two and a half hours west of Detroit—arrived at the White House via horse and buggy in a nod to traditional holiday pageantry. The tree had been selected through a nationwide contest to provide the centerpiece for the Blue Room of the White House, continuing a longstanding presidential tradition.
As Trump walked up to the horse-drawn carriage carrying the towering evergreen, she took a moment to examine the tree before turning to onlookers with a beaming smile. She told those gathered that the tree was “beautiful,” expressing her appreciation for the selection. The first lady briefly greeted attendees before making her way back to the White House.
Social media users and fashion observers quickly praised Trump’s outfit choice, with particular attention devoted to the burgundy gloves that provided a striking contrast against the lighter-toned coat. Fans gushed over her elegant winter outfit, with many commenting on the coordinated sophistication of the look. The ensemble demonstrated Trump’s continued influence on first lady fashion, combining European design sensibility with traditional American holiday imagery.
The tree welcoming ceremony represented the first event in a week of holiday activities at the White House, coming just days before Thanksgiving on Thursday. President Donald Trump was scheduled to host the annual tradition of pardoning turkeys on Tuesday, a ceremony that spares the birds from becoming part of someone’s holiday meal. These events mark the official beginning of the White House holiday season, a period when the executive mansion becomes a focal point for American Christmas traditions.
As first lady, Trump will be entrusted with decorating the White House for Christmas, a responsibility that has been passed down through generations of presidential spouses. The White House planned to unveil the holiday decorations in the coming weeks, giving the public a glimpse of Trump’s vision for the 2025 Christmas season. First ladies have traditionally put their personal stamp on holiday decorations, making the reveal a highly anticipated annual event.
The Michigan-grown tree that arrived at the White House represents months of planning and cultivation. Tree farms across the country compete for the honor of providing the official White House Christmas tree, which becomes a symbol of American holiday traditions and serves as a backdrop for numerous presidential events throughout December. The selection process recognizes excellence in tree farming while celebrating regional agricultural traditions.
Trump’s fashion choices as first lady have consistently generated public discussion, with her wardrobe selections often blending high-end European designers with classic American style. Her preference for structured, tailored silhouettes and bold accessories has become a defining characteristic of her public appearances. The kimono-style coat she wore for the tree welcoming continued this pattern, offering a modern interpretation of traditional holiday dressing.
The horse and buggy delivery of the tree added a nostalgic element to the ceremony, connecting contemporary White House traditions with historical practices. This method of transportation, while impractical for modern logistics, creates a visually appealing spectacle that photographers and television cameras capture for audiences across the nation. The ceremonial aspect reinforces the White House’s role as a living museum of American history and tradition.
Online reaction to Trump’s appearance emphasized the polished nature of her presentation, with viewers noting her attention to detail in coordinating accessories and footwear. The tartan pattern on her Manolo Blahnik heels provided a subtle nod to traditional holiday patterns while maintaining the sophisticated edge that characterizes her public style. Fashion commentators highlighted how the ensemble successfully balanced seasonal appropriateness with high-fashion sensibility.
The tree-welcoming ceremony serves as an official marker of the transition from autumn holidays to the Christmas season at the White House. Following Thanksgiving, the executive mansion will shift into full holiday mode, with decorations, events, and celebrations that continue through the new year. The first lady’s role in orchestrating these festivities represents one of the most visible aspects of her position, allowing her to shape how millions of Americans experience presidential holiday traditions through media coverage and public tours.
