Melania Trump lights the National Christmas Tree after president counts down

First Lady Melania Trump lit the National Christmas Tree during the annual ceremony held Thursday evening on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, as temperatures dipped in Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump introduced the lighting moment by announcing, “The first lady is going to do the honors,” before leading a five-second countdown. Melania Trump then stepped forward and pressed a button, illuminating the tree with shimmering gold-toned lights.

“It’s a beauty,” the president remarked as the tree sparkled against the night sky.

The festive event featured performances by several notable musical acts spanning multiple genres. Rock legends the Beach Boys headlined the entertainment, joined by Christian music performer Matthew West. The country music contingent was well-represented by Gabby Barrett, Jon Pardi, Alana Springsteen, Brett Young, and Warren Zeiders, who performed holiday classics for the gathered crowd.

During his brief address to attendees, President Trump highlighted several topics beyond the holiday celebration. He referenced the peace agreement signed earlier Thursday between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, a significant diplomatic development for the central African region that has long experienced conflict.

The president also made comments regarding the 2020 election, repeating his disputed claims about it being “rigged.” However, he expressed satisfaction that his presidential terms weren’t consecutive, noting that he would be in office during the 2026 World Cup soccer tournament and the 2028 Summer Olympics, both of which will be hosted in the United States.

In a more solemn portion of his remarks, Trump acknowledged various public servants, expressing gratitude to “those who serve the needy as well as police and other law enforcement officers, first responders, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents who risk their lives every day.”

The president also addressed a recent security incident that occurred near the White House on the day before Thanksgiving, when two National Guard members were shot, one fatally. Trump mentioned that he had spoken with the family of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, the guardsman who survived the shooting and is currently recovering in a hospital.

Following the tree lighting ceremony, the president returned to the White House and later shared a photograph on his social media platform showing Wolfe’s family gathered around him at the Oval Office desk. In the accompanying post, Trump wrote that Wolfe “is in the process of healing. His parents, brother, and all of his friends are praying. I just met them in the Oval Office — They are fantastic American Patriots!”

The National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is a longstanding American tradition that dates back to 1923 when President Calvin Coolidge lit the first National Christmas Tree. The event has evolved over the decades into a major holiday celebration that typically attracts thousands of spectators and features prominent entertainers.

This year’s ceremony comes as Washington prepares for the holiday season, with decorations appearing throughout the capital and as the president prepares for his return to office in January. The lighting of the National Christmas Tree traditionally marks the official beginning of the holiday season in Washington, D.C., with the tree remaining illuminated each evening throughout December for visitors to enjoy.