Trump Repeats Viral Halloween Stunt, Signs TIME Covers

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania hosted the White House’s annual trick-or-treat on the South Lawn for children of staff, military families and guests, arriving in regular attire as hundreds attended amid visible ballroom construction. Trump recreated the viral 2019 candy-stacking stunt by balancing a full-size candy bar on a child dressed as DJ Marshmello, drawing mixed online reactions; Melania did not repeat the move. A livestreamed moment showed a child hand Trump two glossy TIME covers — including the image from his 2024 assassination attempt — which he signed and displayed. The event took place hours after Trump’s return from Asia and against the backdrop of a government shutdown; reporters on the South Lawn said they could not hear most conversations.