President Donald Trump's appearance at the National Christmas Tree lighting on Dec. 4 quickly became a new flashpoint for online critics, who seized on his brief countdown to question his alertness and fitness for office. The ceremony, traditionally seen as a unifying moment at the start of Washington's holiday season, instead fueled a wave of mockery that revived recent scrutiny over the president's public demeanor. First Lady Melania Trump, who stood beside him for the event, faced her own round of backlash over what detractors described as a lack of enthusiasm for the holiday role.
The episode unfolded on the Ellipse, where the president invited the crowd to count down from five before Melania illuminated the 35-foot red spruce. When footage of the event circulated online, social-media critics pounced. "Sort of impressed he was actually able to count down from 5," one commenter wrote, tapping into ongoing speculation about the president's cognitive strength.
The reaction intensified because the tree lighting arrived just days after video circulated that appeared to show Trump nodding off during a high-profile meeting. That context shaped the online response. "I guess that nap Trump took on camera today helped him stay awake tonight," one user wrote, adding emojis. Another offered, "I am surprised and impressed he is actually awake and standing. Bravo."
A softer moment did register amid the criticism. After Melania pressed the button to light the tree, Trump turned to her and said, "Good job, honey," prompting a brief wave of support from users who called the exchange "sweet." But the warmer reaction was overshadowed by the broader debate around his health and stamina.
The first lady drew her own round of commentary, much of it focused on her demeanor and perceived disengagement. "Melania could care less!!! She don't give a d---," one critic wrote after the ceremony. Others tied their comments to the couple's personal finances, with one user saying, "Melania is cashing in again. Or is light the Christmas tree covered by the prenup?" and adding, "But you can't blame her. They are all money greedy in this so-called family."
The scrutiny continued a trend that began earlier in the holiday season. On Nov. 24, when Melania stepped outside to receive the official White House Christmas tree, critics noted she spent less than three minutes with reporters. Her remark - "It's a beautiful tree" - was derided online as evidence she was doing the bare minimum. Further criticism followed Dec. 1, when she unveiled this year's White House decorations on X with the caption, "Home is Where the Heart is."
That post reopened discussion about her living arrangements, with one user replying, "'Home is where the heart is.' She literally lives in Florida to be away from her old demented husband!" Another added, "Her home is wherever Barron wants to live," pointing to speculation that the Trumps divide their time among New York, Mar-a-Lago, and Washington.
