Overview
- President Trump counted down from five before the first lady pressed the button to illuminate gold-toned lights in Washington, D.C.
- The 35-foot red spruce, selected by the National Park Service from Virginia’s George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, anchors the display on the Ellipse.
- Performers included the Beach Boys, Matthew West, Gabby Barrett, Jon Pardi, Alana Springsteen, Brett Young, and Warren Zeiders.
- In brief remarks, President Trump cited the Rwanda–Congo peace development, repeated baseless claims about the 2020 election, and thanked police, first responders, ICE, and Border Patrol.
- He honored two National Guard members shot near the White House, noting a visit with Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe’s family and the death of Sarah Beckstrom, and the tree will glow nightly through the New Year.