White House presses on with Christmas tree ceremony despite coronavirus warnings

First lady Melania Trump walks around the 2020 official White House Christmas tree after it arrived at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. This year’s tree is an 18.5-foot Fraser Fir, selected and cut from Dan and Bryan Trees in Shepherdstown, W.Va. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

The White House is defying warnings by public health officials for Americans not to travel and to limit gatherings this holiday season amid a new surge in coronavirus cases, by planning a host of festivities which kicked off on Monday with the arrival of the White House Christmas tree.

“Attending the parties will be a very personal choice,” said Stephanie Grisham, first lady Melania Trump’s spokeswoman and chief of staff. “It is a longstanding tradition for people to visit and enjoy the cheer and iconic decor of the annual White House Christmas celebrations.”