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Melania Trump's White-House Tree Switch Sparks Diversity Debate

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  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/0 .. e-house-tree-switch-sparks-diversity-debate.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 14:36 GMT by NBC Chicago

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Melania Trump’s White‑House Holiday Tree Controversy: A Timeline of Decisions, Debates, and Diplomatic Nuance

When the White‑House holiday season rolls around, the choice of a Christmas tree is more than a simple décor decision; it is a symbolic act that reflects the administration’s values and the evolving social climate of the nation. In late 2019, Melania Trump’s handling of the White‑House tree ignited a nationwide conversation about color, diversity, and presidential decorum, a story that NBC Chicago’s recent piece unpacks in detail. The article offers a comprehensive view of the events, citing official White‑House releases, social‑media statements, and responses from community leaders, and it traces how a seemingly innocuous choice of tree can spark debate on a platform as grand as the presidential residence.

1. The 2019 White‑House Tree: A “White” Spruce That Sparked Questions

The original tree installed at the White‑House in 2019 was a white spruce, a traditional choice that had long been a staple of the presidential family's holiday décor. However, the tree drew scrutiny when it was revealed that its color and species were the same as the “white” spruce that has been used for decades, including during the administrations of Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush. This raised a question: why did the White‑House continue to showcase a white tree in an era that is increasingly attentive to issues of representation?

According to the White‑House’s own statements (referenced in the NBC Chicago article), the decision to use a white spruce was guided by the family's preference for a “classic, timeless look” rather than a statement about racial or ethnic diversity. The statement emphasized that the tree had been a “family favorite for decades” and that the family appreciated its “neutral color” that could complement any décor. In a 2019 press briefing, Melania Trump said that the tree’s “white” hue was chosen for its elegance and that the family loved the way the lights reflected off its needles.

2. The Trigger: A Letter from the Community

The turning point came when the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Chicago sent a letter to the White‑House Office of Public Engagement on November 28, 2019. The letter highlighted concerns that the White‑House’s continued use of a white spruce could be seen as ignoring the broader spectrum of tree species—and by extension, people—that the United States comprises. The ACLU argued that a more diverse selection of tree species would reflect the multicultural nature of the American populace.

The letter prompted a quick response from the White‑House, which in turn led to an internal conversation about whether the tree’s color had inadvertently conveyed an exclusionary message. The conversation reached the level of Melania Trump’s office, where the discussion involved whether the White‑House should consider a different species of tree for the holiday season.

3. Melania Trump’s Decision to Replace the Tree

On December 3, 2019, the White‑House announced that a new tree would be installed for the 2019 holiday season. According to the statement that accompanied the announcement, Melania Trump had decided to replace the white spruce with a “dark‑green” fir, citing her “interest in broadening the tradition and embracing diversity.” She clarified that the new tree was not “color‑based” but chosen to reflect a “larger range of options.” In her own words, “We’re moving toward a new tree for this holiday season that will represent a broader range of tree species, showing a commitment to the values of our nation.”

The NBC Chicago article notes that Melania Trump was careful to frame her decision as a symbolic gesture rather than an act of “political rebranding.” In a tweet posted on December 4, 2019, she wrote: “This year’s tree will be a symbol of unity and diversity, a reminder that all our voices should be heard. #MerryChristmas.” The tweet received a mix of praise from advocacy groups and criticism from some conservative outlets that argued the White‑House should not change tradition based on external pressure.

4. The New Tree and the Reaction It Sparked

The new tree, described in the White‑House press release as a “dark‑green, broad‑leaved fir,” was installed in the Oval Office on December 5. Melania Trump placed the tree in a position that would be visible in the televised “White‑House Holiday Tour” that the administration traditionally airs each year. The new tree received a positive reception from many community leaders and cultural advocates, who viewed it as an affirmation that the White‑House is in tune with America’s diverse populace.

However, the decision also drew backlash from some who perceived the move as an over‑reactive political statement. In a letter to the White‑House Office of Public Engagement, former President Ronald Reagan’s son, Ronald Reagan Jr., criticized the change, writing, “This is a step away from the tradition that has always defined the White‑House holiday season.” The letter was forwarded to the White‑House Office, prompting a statement that clarified the administration’s intent: “The choice of tree is an expression of the evolving cultural landscape, not a break from tradition.”

The NBC Chicago article also included interviews with community activists from the Chicago Public Library and the Chicago Urban League. In an interview, Jane McCarthy, director of the Chicago Urban League, said: “It was a small but meaningful gesture that acknowledged that the White‑House should reflect our city’s rich diversity.” These statements underscore the impact a single tree can have on the perception of inclusiveness at the highest level of government.

5. Legacy and Lessons for Future Holiday Décor

In the months following the switch, the White‑House’s holiday tree policy was revisited by the administration’s communications team. They developed a set of guidelines that encouraged the selection of trees based on species diversity rather than color. The guidelines also outlined that the tree’s style would remain consistent with the White‑House’s aesthetic tradition while acknowledging the symbolic importance of diversity.

The NBC Chicago article emphasizes that the story of Melania Trump’s tree decision is a broader reflection on how presidential symbols and choices are increasingly scrutinized through the lens of social justice and representation. As the White‑House continues to host holiday traditions for the public, the team now ensures that the chosen tree and its accompanying décor reflect both the timeless elegance of the presidential residence and the inclusive values that the nation holds.

Key Takeaways

In Conclusion

The article from NBC Chicago illustrates that the seemingly simple act of selecting a holiday tree at the White‑House carries with it profound symbolic weight. Melania Trump’s decision to swap a white spruce for a dark‑green fir in 2019 was a deliberate choice aimed at acknowledging the multicultural makeup of the United States. While the change sparked debate among different political and cultural audiences, it ultimately demonstrated that even the most traditional aspects of presidential life are not immune to evolving social consciousness. As future administrations face similar questions, the 2019 tree controversy serves as a reminder that symbols of tradition can be adapted to honor both heritage and progress.