Melania Trump’s Ex-Aide Shares Her True Thoughts on Christmas After That Controversial Comment

Melania Trump at the Children’s National Hospital on Dec. 5.
Credit :

Anna Moneymaker/Getty

Key Developments

• Former aide Stephanie Grisham discusses Melania Trump’s perspective on Christmas and her responsibilities at the White House.
• Grisham addresses the first lady’s feelings regarding the criticism of her Christmas decorations.
• Melania’s past comments about holiday decor have sparked considerable public attention.

Seven years after being recorded expressing frustration with her White House Christmas duties, Melania Trump’s former aide is sharing insights into the first lady’s attitude toward the holiday.

This year marks the first instance since then that Melania, aged 55, is again overseeing Christmas festivities at the White House. This responsibility comes amidst ongoing public scrutiny related to her previously controversial 2018 holiday decor and her candid, expletive-laden reactions to the criticism.

In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Stephanie Grisham, who has served as both White House press secretary and Melania’s chief of staff, stated that she does not believe Melania despises the holiday season or the associated duties, asserting that she is “not a Grinch.”

Grisham, who resigned from her role as chief of staff on January 6, 2021, following events surrounding the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, emphasized that Melania genuinely enjoys the holiday and cherishes events involving children. “She puts a lot of time and attention to detail into the decorations and whatnot,” Grisham noted.

Melania Trump; Stephanie Grisham.

Taylor Hill/FilmMagic; Alex Wong/Getty

The former aide explained that the “constant criticism” is a significant concern for Melania, not the decorations themselves. “Does she like the constant criticism? Absolutely not, but who would?” Grisham remarked, emphasizing the need for society to focus more on the holiday spirit and the charitable work Melania supports, including her recent visits to holiday charity events and patient readings at Children’s National Hospital.

The conversation around White House Christmas decorations, particularly Melania’s unconventional choices, has been a topic of interest throughout her husband Donald Trump’s presidency. In 2018, she drew widespread attention for selecting bold red Christmas trees, which she described as “American Treasures.” Despite her defense of the aesthetic and its representation, the decor received a considerable amount of memes and criticism during the holiday season that persists today.

Melania Trump with a man dressed as Santa Claus on Dec. 8.

SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty

During her initial holiday season as first lady, Melania described her unique decorating style, stating that it embodies a symbol of “valor and bravery.” Nonetheless, the public’s critical response contributed to a wave of online backlash that included numerous viral memes poking fun at her unconventional decor choices.

In a leaked audio from 2020, Melania was heard expressing her frustrations regarding holiday preparations. “I’m working … my ass off on the Christmas stuff. Who gives a f— about the Christmas stuff and decorations?” she stated, highlighting the pressures of her public role.

Donald Trump and Melania Trump in 2018.
Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty

As Melania prepares for what is expected to be another holiday season as first lady, sources indicate she is likely to adhere to established White House traditions, regardless of the scrutiny she may face over her decor decisions. A social source noted, “Melania will do what she is asked but under her own terms; she will set her own schedule, make her own rules, and use her own taste.” While speculation surrounds her potential approach this term, it remains uncertain whether her attitude will differ from previous years.