Trump Asks Melania: 'Baby, Make the Trees Green'

President Donald Trump recently took a moment to commend his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, for her efforts in decorating the White House. During a Christmas Reception held at the presidential residence on December 14, Trump acknowledged the positive feedback his wife has received for her work. The event also featured other members of the Trump family, including their son Donald Trump Jr., his fiancée Vanessa Trump, and their children, among them Kai Trump, who is gaining recognition as a promising young golfer.

In his remarks, Trump highlighted the evolution of the White House decorations over the years. "Melania did all of these decorations and she's gotten great reviews," he said. He recalled the first year when the trees were white, followed by a red-themed display the next year, which he described as "gorgeous red." However, he admitted that the red decorations were met with some criticism.

Trump then shared a lighthearted anecdote about his request to Melania. "Baby, do me a favor. Do me a favor. Make the trees green. Let them just be green. They're so beautiful, let them be green," he said, adding a humorous tone to the conversation.

The president also praised his wife's current decorations, noting that they have been well-received this year. He even invited Melania to speak, showing his support for her contributions to the holiday festivities.

Melania Trump offers thoughts and prayers in remarks

Melania Trump, taking the lectern, welcomed guests to the White House, directed visitors where they could meet Santa Claus and wished people a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

"My thoughts and prayers go to the families of people who lost a loved one around the world in this difficult time," she said. "We are celebrating here Christmas, and I'm thinking about them, what they're going through. So my heart is with them."

Over the weekend, a shooting at Brown University killed two students and wounded nine others. At least 16 people also died in a shooting in Sydney, Australia, in what officials are calling a targeted attack on Australia's Jewish community. In Syria, two U.S. soldiers and an interpreter were killed by a suspected Islamic State attacker.

First lady Melania Trump hit holiday controversy during first term

Christmas at the White House brought controversy to the first lady in President Donald Trump's first term.

First, there were the red Christmas trees in 2018.

Then, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, author of the book "Melania and Me," secretly recorded conversations with Melania Trump complaining about her role promoting the White House at Christmas while being criticized for not doing more meaningful work, CNN reported in 2020.

"I'm working my (expletive) off with the Christmas stuff that, you know, who gives a (expletive) about Christmas stuff and decorations but I need to do it, right?" the first lady said in the recording. "And then I do it, and I say I'm working on Christmas and planning for Christmas ... And they say, 'What about the children that are separated?' Give me a f---ing break."

Wolkoff and the first lady were friends. Trump's first-term Justice Department sued Wolkoff over the tell-all memoir, but the lawsuit was dropped in 2021. In response to the recordings, the first lady's office said there was no way to know if the recordings were edited and accused Wolkoff of recording to "peddle herself and her salacious book."

Contributing: Phillip M. Bailey, Maria Puente, Bryan Alexander, Barbara VanDenburgh, USA TODAY

Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Bluesky and TikTok.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 'Baby ... make the trees green.' Trump asks Melania after 2018 Christmas

While the focus was on the White House decorations, the event also brought attention to the broader Trump family. Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, who recently became engaged, were present along with their children. This gathering underscored the importance of family during the holiday season, a theme that has often been emphasized by the Trump administration.

The Christmas Reception served as a reminder of the traditions and celebrations that take place within the White House. It also provided an opportunity for the public to see the personal side of the Trumps, beyond the political spotlight.

As the holiday season continues, the Trump family remains in the public eye, with their activities often drawing media attention. From the White House to Mar-a-Lago, the family’s presence during the holidays is a significant part of their public narrative.

For those interested in learning more about the Trumps’ holiday traditions, there are ongoing discussions about what life is like at Mar-a-Lago during the Christmas season. The estate, known as the Trump family's winter home, has its own unique set of celebrations and events that reflect the family's style and preferences.