Melania Trump Announces Halloween at the White House
Plus, the National First Ladies Library & Museum to offer an educational 'shutdown' series while the government is closed.
This Thursday, First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump will open the South Lawn of the White House to trick-or-treating visitors of all ages.
Thousands of children and their parents are expected to proceed around the South Lawn to visit various trick-or-treat booths and enjoy the autumnal decorations on the South Portico of the White House. The event will take place from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and is open to ticketholders, including military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and administration officials with children, according to the White House.
Halloween celebrations at the White first began with former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower in 1958 when she decorated the State Dining Room and hosted a lunch for White House staff members’ wives, according to the White House Historical Association.
The president and first lady will hand out commemorative candies on the South Drive for a portion of the event while the United States Air Force Strolling Strings will play as children and families are welcomed.
Throughout the evening, the U.S. Postal Service will provide toy mail trucks and facilitate a “Be Best” post card station for children. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will have a giant pumpkin photo opportunity and hand out mini pumpkins from American farmers. The International Fresh Produce Association will provide Washington state and New York state apples, and the National Confectioners Association will provide sweet treats. The event will also feature participation and treats by America 250, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Park Service, U.S. Mint, U.S. Secret Service, White House Historical Association, and the Center of Science and Industry.
National First Ladies Library & Museum Announces ‘Shutdown Series’
The National First Ladies Library & Museum (NFLLM) has announced its newest program: “Ladies Who Lunch: The Shutdown Series.” Beginning Tuesday, November 4, the National First Ladies Library & Museum will be going live on Facebook every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. for a free lunchtime series celebrating America’s first ladies continuing each Tuesday until the government reopens.
Each week will spotlight a different first lady, exploring her story, leadership, and the legacy she left behind. Discover fascinating, inspiring, and often untold stories that helped shape the nation.
While its Canton, Ohio, site is temporarily closed during the government shutdown, the series is the NFLLM’s way of keeping the conversation going. Watch LIVE on Facebook
FLARE Auction Continues with Browsing and Bidding
The browsing and bidding continues through Nov. 7 for the First Ladies Association for Research and Education’s first online auction. Items include historic tour packages, cocktail parties, vacation experiences, fine jewelry and one-on-one conversations with noted authors and experts. Dubbed “A Curated Auction of Exceptional Experiences and Finds,” the FLARE auction, which is open to the public, offers something for everyone. View here
East Wing Magazine is a member of the First Ladies Association for Research and Education.
November 12, 2025
Talk With a Curator
The National First Ladies Library & Museum presents an online exclusive look behind the glass with Michelle Gullion, Director of Collections & Research at the National First Ladies Library & Museum. From rarely seen artifacts to personal insights on curating exhibitions, Gullion will guide attendees through what it takes to protect and interpret the legacy of America’s first ladies. Highlights include: behind-the-scenes stories from the archives, a look at the newest and most fascinating acquisitions, curator secrets on preservation and research and a live Q&A session. Read more
November 18, 2025
White House History Live: Official White House China
The White House Historical Association presents “White House History Live: Official White House China,” a live-streamed event on the White House Historical Association’s Facebook and YouTube pages starting at 5:30 pm ET on November 18. Former curator of the White House William G. Allman will discuss his book, Official White House China: From the 18th to the 21 Centuries. In addition to highlighting the history of presidential china and historic china within the White House Collection, Allman will detail the evolution of State Dinners and State Services, and how these pieces serve as a touchstone of the American presidency and a key part of cultural diplomacy. Read more
November 18, 2025
Deck the Halls: Holiday Traditions at the White House
The George W. Bush Presidential Center presents an exclusive behind-the-scenes look in “Deck the Halls: Holiday Traditions at the White House” from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. local time from those who helped bring them to life. Join Dori Thornton Waller, former White House Deputy Social Secretary, Sara Armstrong, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Mrs. Laura Bush, and Susan Whitson, former Press Secretary to Mrs. Laura Bush as they share memorable stories from their time at the White House during the holidays. The conversation will be moderated by Kristin King, chief operating officer of the George W. Bush Institute. Read more
The Weekly Wrap
The Weekly Wrap is a collection of headlines from the past week. Some publications have paywalls.
The Washington Post
The East Wing Is Gone. Here’s Why It’s Been Called ‘The Heart’ of the Nation.
Oct. 25, 2025 — It’s played second banana to the West Wing, but the home of the first lady’s office has been the source of quiet power and influence. Read more
All Things First Ladies
Bring Back Dolley Madison
Oct. 24, 2025 — The White House. Wednesday, April 10, 1811. First Lady Dolley Madison moved graciously through the crowded Oval Room, greeting friends, chatting with her husband’s political enemies, and welcoming newcomers. As usual, the crowd spilled over into the parlor, and some sought a respite from “the squeeze” in the dining room. The atmosphere was convivial. Read here
The Hill
Chelsea Clinton on East Wing Demolition: ‘This Is What Happens When We Take a Wrecking Ball to Our Heritage’
Oct. 24, 2025 — Chelsea Clinton rebuked the Trump administration’s complete demolition of the White House’s East Wing in an op-ed published Thursday, calling it “a reflection of how easily history can be erased when power forgets purpose.” Read more
The Associated Press
‘Devastated’: Historian on the White House East Wing Demolition
Oct. 24, 2025 — St. Joseph’s University history professor Katherine Sibley says the now-demolished East Wing of the White House has for decades been indelibly linked with first ladies and the work they’ve done. View here
The New York Times
A Pile of Rubble: After 123 Years, the East Wing is Gone
Oct. 23, 2025 — This story is behind a paywall. Read more
CBS News
Here Are the White House East Wing Offices Trump Is Demolishing, According to Sources
Oct. 22, 2025 — The portion of the White House East Wing that is being knocked down as a part of President Trump’s ballroom project includes the first lady’s office and dozens of other workspaces, sources familiar with the plans told CBS News. Read more
WBUR
As Destruction of the East Wing Gets Underway, Where Does That Leave the First Lady?
Oct. 22, 2025 — Crews continued on Wednesday to demolish the East Wing of the White House, as the National Trust for Historic Preservation called for a pause on construction of a new ballroom. Read more
CNN
‘Language matters’: Advocates Worry About Melania Trump’s Rhetoric Around Returned Ukrainian Children
Oct. 22, 2025 — While praising First Lady Melania Trump’s work to return Ukrainian children from Russian captivity, President Donald Trump last week seemed to downplay the estimates of the number of children allegedly abducted since the war began. Read more
Fox News
Trump Celebrates White House Demolition as New Ballroom Rises: ‘Music to My Ears’
Oct. 21, 2025 — President Donald Trump‘s privately funded $200 million White House ballroom is the latest “bold, necessary addition” to the executive residence, officials said, describing the East Wing construction as a continuation of presidential upgrades dating back more than a century. Read more