While the commercialization of Halloween began in the United States in the 1900s, it wasn’t until first lady Mamie Eisenhower that witches, goblins, broomsticks, and jack-o’-lanterns made their way into the White House. Since the Eisenhower days, every president has hosted a Halloween celebration. Even vice presidents, first dogs, and White House staff have joined in on the fun.
Patricia Nixon, wife of then-Vice President Richard Nixon, with her daughters 8-year-old Patricia and 6-year-old Julia on Halloween, 1954. Mrs. Nixon made the costumes herself.
President Kennedy enjoys a laugh with his children Caroline and John Jr. dressed in Halloween costumes, 1963.
Tricia Nixon, daughter of President Nixon, greets guests coming to trick-or-treat at the White House, 1969. The Nixon’s hosted a Halloween party for underprivileged children in the Washington area.
First lady Betty Ford and her secretary dress up a skeleton for Halloween in the President’s chair in his private study, 1974.
President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton dressed as James and Dolley Madison at Hillary’s Halloween costume birthday party at the White House, 1993.
Vice President Al Gore and Tipper Gore pose for a photo in their elaborate Beauty and the Beast inspired costumes, 1995.
Four years later, the Gore’s again wowed the White House with their renditions of cartoon characters “Underdog” and “Polly Purebred.”
Even the White House pets join the festivities. Here India, Miss Beazley and Barney, the pets of George W. Bush, sit for photos on the White House lawn in their Halloween costumes, 2007.
Vice President Dick Cheney’s Labrador retrievers also dressed up that year. Jackson dressed as Darth Vader, and Dave as Superman.
First lady Michelle Obama greets trick-or-treaters at the Obama’s first Halloween at the White House, 2009. They celebrated by inviting students and military families over for some Halloween fun.
The White House is seen covered in Halloween decorations on Monday, Oct. 30, 2017 as President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump hand out treats to children from the Washington, D.C. area and from military families.
The American Presidency with Bill Clinton
Explore the history of the U.S. presidency across six themed episodes: race, extremism, the struggle for rights, presidential vision and global power.
