Overview
- President Trump and First Lady Melania hosted the traditional South Lawn event on Oct. 30, greeting hundreds of costumed guests and handing out candy in boxes bearing the presidential seal.
- The First Lady’s office posted images of a pumpkin-filled, autumn-themed entrance, drawing largely positive comments alongside complaints about perceived insensitivity.
- Outlets citing the BBC reported that SNAP support was set to stop from Nov. 1, with roughly 41 million recipients affected during the continuing budget impasse.
- Reporters on site noted provisional walls and construction equipment tied to a planned ballroom project were visible around the grounds during the festivities.
- Partisan rancor persisted online as Trump allies shared memes targeting Democrats, and no Senate breakthrough was announced despite comments from Majority Leader John Thune about a possible vote next week.