White House public tours have resumed, coinciding with the holiday season, following a three-month hiatus.
The suspension of tours was due to the demolition of the East Wing, a process linked to President Trump's reported plan to construct a ballroom. The demolition generated public discussion, and polling indicated a majority of Americans opposed the project.
Tour Route and Decorations
Historically, White House tours commenced in the East Wing. With the East Wing's removal, tours now originate and conclude at the North Portico. The updated route includes the East Room, Blue Room, Green Room, Red Room, and State Dining Room. Areas such as the East Wing and basement rooms, including the Map Room, are no longer part of the public tour. A temporary structure has been installed on the North Lawn for guest security screening.
First Lady Melania Trump and her team oversaw the holiday decorations, which were themed "Home Is Where The Heart Is." The White House reported the installation of 75 wreaths, 51 Christmas trees, over 700 feet of garland, more than 2,000 strands of lights, over 25,000 feet of ribbon, and 2,800 gold stars.
Room-Specific Features:- Blue Room: Features the official White House Christmas Tree, an 18-foot tall tree adorned with gold stars and white globe ornaments representing all 56 U.S. states and territories. These ornaments were 3D printed with AI assistance to display state birds and flowers. Gold Star families, those who lost a loved one in active-duty military service, participated in decorating the tree. Nicholas Clemens, the First Lady's communications director, stated the decorations aimed to honor Gold Star families.
- Green Room: Described as celebrating "family fun," this room displays large Lego portraits of President George Washington and President Trump, each constructed from 6,000 Lego bricks by volunteers.
- Red Room: Features over 10,000 blue butterflies, intended to recognize young people, including those who have experienced foster care. Ornaments on the Christmas tree carry the phrase "Be Best," and a ribbon reads "Fostering the Future," referencing two of the First Lady's initiatives.
- East Room: Decorations commemorate America's upcoming 250th anniversary, incorporating patriotic colors and national symbols. A large golden curtain conceals an area that President Trump has referred to as a "knock out wall," associated with the planned ballroom development.
- State Dining Room: Showcases a gingerbread White House, depicting the residence from the South Lawn, complete with a sugar American flag mirroring newly installed flagpoles. The second floor of the gingerbread South Portico offers a view into the Yellow Oval Room, a private residence space. The gingerbread structure consists of 120 pounds of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage dough, 10 pounds of chocolate, and 5 pounds of royal icing.
When questioned about the reduced tour footprint and renovations, Clemens declined to comment.
Additional Renovations
The East Wing demolition is one of several renovation projects undertaken by the President. Other changes include:
- Rose Garden: Transformed into a patio surrounded by flowers, modeled after an outdoor space at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.
- Oval Office: The interior has been redecorated with gilded elements.
- Lincoln Bathroom: Underwent renovation, incorporating marble.
White House tour tickets can be requested through members of Congress for their constituents.