Trump celebrates Halloween at WH despite shutdown

Washington, Nov 1: President Donald Trump hosted a White House Halloween celebration on Thursday night, welcoming hundreds of costumed guests ranging from superheroes and dinosaurs to children dressed as the president and first lady.
Trump and Melania Trump appeared on the South Lawn as dusk fell to an orchestral version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Neither wore a costume; Trump wore a blue suit, red tie, and a red “USA” cap, while Melania donned a brown coat over an orange dress.
The couple handed out full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in presidential seal boxes to a long line of children and parents stretching down the driveway. The event took place amid ongoing construction for Trump’s new White House ballroom, which has led to the demolition of the East Wing, though a bulldozer remained visible nearby. Trump joked about the line of guests, comparing it to the ballroom’s size.
The celebration proceeded despite the government shutdown entering its 30th day. Trump has urged a reopening, while congressional Democrats demand extensions of expiring tax credits supporting millions’ health insurance. Republican lawmakers insist negotiations cannot proceed until the government reopens. Additionally, Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports have increased prices and reduced the availability of Halloween costumes for retailers and shoppers.