Not every White House holiday passes quietly—especially when a decorative item carries a $90 price tag.
Melania Trump’s latest release, a brass ornament as part of her official 2025 collection, has sparked debate over the intersection of seasonal tradition, commercialization, and personal branding. Why did this ornament, meant to celebrate the holidays, ignite such discussion?
Melania Trump’s holiday approach has once again drawn attention, this time for a single ornament priced at $90. Part of her 2025 White House Christmas collection, the brass piece—titled American Star—became a focal point online almost immediately.
Its release coincided with a broader collection of six themed items, prompting conversations about pricing, timing, and the commercialization of national celebrations.
Holiday Merchandise in Context
The ornament reflects a continuing tradition of merchandise linked to public figures. Crafted from brass, finished in red, white, and blue, and engraved with Melania Trump’s signature, the American Star ornament sparked debate. Some viewed it as a natural extension of the Trump-era branding efforts, while others questioned whether a premium-priced item was appropriate during a season traditionally associated with generosity and accessibility.
The 2025 White House DĂ©cor
Melania Trump’s theme for 2025, “Home Is Where the Heart Is,” emphasized a restrained, family-friendly display. Natural-looking Christmas trees, children’s toys, patriotic motifs, and playful installations—like Lego portraits—set a welcoming tone.
Despite East Wing renovations shortening the annual holiday tour, the décor remained extensive and carefully curated, including:
51 Christmas trees
75 wreaths with red bows
700 feet of garland
25,000 feet of ribbon
10,000 blue butterfly accents
Highlights included an 18-foot Blue Room tree decorated with 3D-printed ornaments representing each U.S. state, a Green Room showcasing classic toys, and a Red Room adorned with blue butterflies. Visitors also saw a 20-pound gingerbread White House, crimson-colored trees, and Lego portraits of figures including Donald Trump and George Washington.
Public Reaction
While the 2025 holiday display balanced tradition with symbolic storytelling, the American Star ornament’s $90 price point sparked debate over privilege, commercialization, and expectations placed on public figures during the holiday season. Reactions reflected broader cultural conversations about the White House’s role as both a historic site and a platform for personal branding.
🔹 Conclusion
The 2025 White House holidays offered a celebration that was at once festive, symbolic, and carefully curated. While most decorations highlighted family, tradition, and national pride, the release of the American Star ornament reminded the public that even small seasonal choices carry layered meanings.
In this case, a simple ornament became a lens for discussion on cost, messaging, and the delicate balance between tradition and personal branding.