WASHINGTON, DC: First lady Melania Trump is once again under scrutiny after her infamous expletive-filled rant about Christmas decorations resurfaced just as she launched a new drive to recruit volunteers for the 2025 White House holiday season.
Critics were quick to call out the contrast between her current festive initiative and her previously leaked remarks disparaging Christmas responsibilities.
First lady Melania Trump looks on during the annual White House Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 21, 2025, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Melania Trump invites Christmas volunteers
In a press release issued Monday, the White House revealed that Trump and the first lady he officially kicked off Christmas preparations and are now inviting applications from individuals interested in volunteering as holiday performers or helping with festive decorations.
On Monday, August 4, Melania Trump shared an announcement on X, inviting people to apply to help decorate the White House or perform during the upcoming holiday season.
The post featured an image that read, "First Lady Melania Trump announces opening of Christmas volunteer & performer applications."
https://t.co/96icMIodsH pic.twitter.com/um3rQKziK1
— First Lady Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) August 4, 2025
However, many online pointed to a secretly recorded tape from 2018, where the then-first lady expressed frustration about being tasked with holiday decor while facing criticism over her husband's administration.
First lady Melania Trump speaks during the unveiling of a US Postal Service stamp honoring former first lady Barbara Bush in the East Room at the White House on May 8, 2025, in Washington, DC (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
“I’m working … my a** off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a f**k about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?” she said in a recording made by her former friend and advisor Stephanie Winston Wolkoff.
She continued: “OK, and then I do it and I say that I’m working on Christmas and planning for the Christmas and they said, ‘Oh, what about the children that they were separated?’ Give me a f**king break.”
In the same tape, Melania defended her role amid criticism about the family separation policy: “They say I’m complicit. I’m the same like him, I support him. I don’t say enough I don’t do enough where I am.”
Mixed reactions online as Melania's Christmas plans spark fresh debateMelania Trump’s call for Christmas volunteers reignited debate on social media, with users divided over her return to holiday planning.
Some critics resurfaced her infamous 2018 quote: “I’m working … my a* off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a f*** about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?”
“I’m working … my a** off on the Christmas stuff, that you know, who gives a f*** about the Christmas stuff and decorations? But I need to do it, right?” - Melania Trump 2018
— BirdResQR 🦉🐾🦝 (@JennyBirdresqr) August 4, 2025
One user mocked, “Maybe she won’t cuss, and swear, about the decorating this year if she can pawn it off onto someone else?”
Maybe she won’t cuss, and swear, about the decorating this year if she can pawn it off onto someone else?
— John (@John94829694531) August 4, 2025
Others questioned her residency, noting, “She doesn’t even live there lol,” while another jabbed, “She destroyed the Rose Garden.”
She doesn't even live there lol
— New England Veteran (@NEVeteran) August 4, 2025
She destroyed the Rose Garden. I really do think I'm the only one upset by this.
— Denita (@Ms_DenitaQ) August 5, 2025
Meanwhile, supporters praised her efforts, with one writing, “Finally, back to classy Christmas and not the Biden's tacky circus,” and another cheering, “I love that, Americans getting the chance to decorate and bring Christmas to the most important house in this Nation.”
Finally, back to classy Christmas and not the Biden's tacky circus pic.twitter.com/W21AlLkFYf
— KeoweeGal (@KeoweeSCgal) August 4, 2025
I love that, American's getting the chance to decorate and bring Christmas to the most important house in this Nation.
— Destiany (@suzanne_wi96836) August 5, 2025Volunteers will need to meet strict criteria
Despite her previous frustrations, Melania appears to be moving full steam ahead with this year’s holiday planning.
According to the application form, volunteers must be 18 or older and ailable between 6 am to 5 pm during the assigned shifts between November 24 and November 30, 2025, excluding Thanksgiving Day.
Melania Trump receives the 2020 White House Christmas Tree November 23, 2020 at the White House in Washington, DC. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The physical nature of the work is emphasized, with duties including hey lifting, working on ladders, and standing for long periods. Selected volunteers will undergo a background check and are responsible for their own trel and lodging, though two meals per day will be provided.
In addition to decorators, the first lady is also seeking volunteer performers and musical groups to entertain visitors at the White House in December. Performers may include school choirs, holiday-themed entertainers, and bands.
Vocal performances must be a capella or use acoustic accompaniment, as amplification is not allowed. Similar to decor volunteers, performers must pay for their own trel and lodging, and all selected applicants will go through security screening.
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