The official White House Christmas tree is decorated in the Blue Room, seen through the Cross Hall, during the 2019 Christmas preview at the White House, Monday, Dec. 2, 2019, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press )
In 2017, the first year of the Trump administration, all eyes were on the first lady. Her theme was "time honored traditions," which included classic decorations exuding national pride, support for the military and traditional Christmas — a nod at President Donald Trump's "America First" messaging. Melania Trump was criticized that year for using an all-white theme, with House Beautiful magazine saying she used "a terrifying amount of white."
In 2019, the theme was "The Spirit of America." (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)
In 2019, the theme was "The Spirit of America," which again focused on states, with state flowers and symbols as ornaments on the trees in the Blue Room; the U.S. military, with a tree honoring Gold Star families; and gingerbread houses designed like American landmarks.
The first lady's decor also frequently highlighted her "Be Best" campaign, which raises money for foster children.
First lady Jill Biden waves after she receives the official White House Christmas Tree on the North Portico of the White House Nov. 22, 2021, in Washington. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
In 2022, Biden’s theme was "We the People," which reinforced the Biden administration’s focus on democracy — with gold doves, olive branches and ornaments shaped like local landmarks from all 50 states.
The annual White House Christmas video was filled with "magic, wonder, and joy" according to first lady Jill Biden. (White House)
Biden was criticized for the video shared by the White House featuring the 2023 decorations, which featured dancers tapping around the decorated White House.
In 2024, first lady Biden’s theme was "A Season of Peace and Light," featuring crystal orbs in the East Colonnade to represent "light in darkness." The trees were decorated in the Blue Room with paper stars and signs of peace, with trees wrapped in white and gold garlands and more.
The Blue Room of the White House is seen decorated for the Christmas season, Nov. 29, 2020. (Hum Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Imagesf)
According to the White House Historical Association, the first known White House Christmas tree was decorated just with candles and was set in the Oval Room on the second floor in 1889.
Brooke Singman is a political correspondent and reporter for Fox News Digital, Fox News Channel and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/tinsel-tradition-messaging-politics-behind-white-house-holiday-decorations