Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
President Trump speaks as he and first lady Melania Trump attend the annual National Christmas Tree lighting on the Ellipse in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump wave after lighting the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle arrive for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
Eric Trump, the son of President Trump, departs the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway departs the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
Tiffany Trump, the daughter of President Trump, sits near President Trump as they attend the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Trump family attends their second National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony
President Trump speaks during the National Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018.
(AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump kicked off the holiday season Wednesday, as the president counted down and the first lady pushed the button to light the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.
The two were joined at the 96th annual tree-lighting ceremony by a myriad of performers, who offered a variety of Christmas songs, both religious and popular.
Trump’s daughter-in-law Lara Trump, children Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr., and former Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle, who is dating Trump Jr., were in attendance.
“No matter one’s faith or beliefs, the Christmas season reflects all that is best in the American spirit,” Trump said. “This is a time of the year for rejoicing with our family and friends, for spreading charity and goodwill in our commitment all over this country in all of our communities, and for giving thanks for all of the blessings in our lives.”
Trump also offered his appreciation to military service members and for first responders and thanked the foster families in the audience for welcoming children in need into their homes.
