President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump handed out candy to costumed families at the annual White House event on October 29, days before the midterm elections.
Tamrah News Desk | October 30, 2026
The White House Halloween 2026 celebration took place on Thursday, October 29, when President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump greeted costumed children and handed out candy on the South Lawn in Washington. According to the White House, the annual event was open to ticketholders, including military families, law enforcement families and foster and adoptive families.
What Happened at the White House Halloween 2026 Event
PBS NewsHour reported that the president and first lady handed out jumbo candy bars to hundreds of costumed trick or treaters outside the White House residence. Neither wore a costume at the Halloween celebration. Children dressed as Barbie, Tigger, Batman and several founding fathers posed for photos with the president as the annual Halloween at the White House tradition continued. The Associated Press reported that Trump was also seen dancing while the band played. A PBS NewsHour video report, as republished by the outlet MAMUL, added that the couple went back inside after about an hour, once Trump lightly danced to the Ghostbusters theme.
Yahoo News Canada reported that Air Force One flew over the White House during the evening. It also said Trump signed autographs, including on the costumes of two children dressed as racing drivers. The Halloween celebration drew families from across the guest list, and many trick or treaters carried bags of Halloween candy.
Who Attended the Trump Halloween Event?
Several senior administration officials brought their families, Yahoo News Canada reported. They included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Melania Trump and the president greeted them alongside other guests, as military families and staff families waited in line on the South Lawn.
Event Details and Participating Agencies
The White House trick or treat event ran from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, according to the White House announcement. The Halloween celebration featured booths and decorations with a harvest Moon theme on the South Portico. The U.S. Air Force Strolling Strings played Halloween songs and modern tunes while Melania Trump and the president welcomed military families and other guests on the South Lawn and South Drive.
The White House said several federal agencies and groups ran activities. The U.S. Postal Service offered toy mail trucks and a BE BEST postcard station. The Department of Agriculture hosted a giant pumpkin photo spot and handed out mini pumpkins. The Treasury Department shared coloring books promoting Trump Accounts for young trick or treaters. The International Fresh Produce Association supplied Michigan apples, and the National Confectioners Association provided sweets. America 250, NASA, the National Park Service, the U.S. Mint, the Secret Service and the Center of Science and Industry also took part. Fox News reported that the White House Historical Association was among the participants.
Is the White House Halloween Event Open to the Public?
No. Entry required a ticket. The White House said invited guests included military families, law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families and administration officials with children. The announcement also said the Halloween celebration on the South Lawn would not be rescheduled if canceled for weather or any other reason, and that the Secret Service could prohibit some personal items. Strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas without metal tips and cameras were permitted.
Timing Before the Midterm Elections
The Hill reported that the Trump Halloween event came hours after the president returned from South Carolina, where he rallied support for Republicans ahead of next week’s midterm elections. Before the event, Fox News reported, the Office of the First Lady posted decoration photos on X, writing
“The @whitehouse is getting ready for Halloween.”
How It Compares With the 2025 Celebration
According to the Associated Press, last year’s Halloween celebration took place on October 30, 2025, hours after Trump returned from a six day Asia trip and during the 30th day of a government shutdown. The AP said hundreds of costumed trick or treaters attended, including children dressed as the first couple. The Washington Times noted that in past years Trump drew online attention for placing candy on the heads of children whose costumes had flat tops.
Conclusion
The White House Halloween 2026 event continued a yearly tradition on the South Lawn, with Melania Trump and the president meeting trick or treaters, military families and other guests. Readers looking for the Trump Halloween event, Halloween at the White House, White House trick or treat details, Melania Trump Halloween photos, White House Halloween candy or White House Halloween tickets can follow Tamrah News for further verified updates.
