Air Force One buzzes over spooky White House as Donald Trump and Melania hand out candy for Halloween
Donald Trump and Melania Trump handed out sweets to children at a Halloween event on the White House South Lawn, offering a brief pause in the president’s campaigning. The celebration took place days before the US midterm election, as Republicans sought to retain control of Congress.
The South Portico had a harvest-moon theme, with a giant inflatable moon and music performed by the US Air Force Strolling Strings. Guests included military, law-enforcement, foster and adoptive families, as well as Pete Hegseth and Stephen Miller with their families. Air Force One, a plane gifted to Trump by Qatar, made two low passes over the residence; Trump had earlier held a rally in South Carolina and had more campaign events planned.
In short
- Trump and Melania handed out Halloween sweets at the White House.
- Air Force One made two passes over the South Lawn event.
- The celebration came during the final days of the midterm campaign.
Explained simply
The White House is both the home of the US president and a workplace used for official events. Its South Lawn and South Portico are often used for ceremonies and gatherings, including seasonal events for invited families.
The president is elected separately from Congress, which has two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Midterm elections take place halfway through a president’s four-year term, and voters choose all House members and some senators; the results determine which party controls each chamber and can affect how readily the president advances policies.