Melania Trump’s $90 Ornament Sparks Debate Amid White House Holiday Festivities
This holiday season, a single ornament at the White House has captured more attention than the rest of the festive display.
Rumors and online chatter quickly circulated, questioning the timing, pricing, and intent behind the ornament long before visitors had a chance to admire the seasonal décor.
First Lady Melania Trump introduced a $90 brass ornament, named the “American Star,” as part of her six-piece 2025 holiday collection.
The announcement coincided with the unveiling of the official White House decorations, immediately drawing criticism on social media. Many users labeled the ornament as “tone-deaf” or “opportunistic,” with comments such as:
“Profiting through Christmas again.”
“But she supposedly dislikes the holiday!”
Despite the controversy, the broader 2025 White House theme, “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” focused on accessibility and symbolism. The decorations emphasized natural-looking trees, children’s toys, patriotic elements, and Lego portraits, balancing tradition with creativity.
The East Wing renovations shortened the holiday tour, but staff still created an elaborate and visually rich display:
51 Christmas trees
75 red-bow wreaths
700 feet of garland
25,000 feet of ribbon
10,000 blue butterflies
Highlights included a blue butterfly installation in the Red Room, classic toys in the Green Room, and an 18-foot fir in the Blue Room adorned with 3D-printed ornaments representing each state. Visitors also saw a 20-pound gingerbread White House, crimson trees, and Lego portraits of Donald Trump and George Washington.
While the overall decorations were praised for blending tradition, symbolism, and creativity, the $90 American Star ornament dominated public discourse, highlighting sensitivities around perceived commercialization and privilege during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Melania Trump’s 2025 White House holiday display showcased festive tradition and imaginative touches. Yet the uproar over a single ornament revealed how deeply public perception intertwines with notions of wealth, taste, and holiday spirit. Even in a setting meant for celebration, one small detail can ignite a nationwide conversation.