Child's Soviet-Style Military Costume Draws Outrage During Trump White House Halloween Celebration

A White House Halloween celebration in Washington on Oct. 29 drew criticism after a child wearing a Soviet-style military cap was shown receiving sweets from President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Images circulated online, and The Guardian reported that the moment sparked backlash on social media. The White House said the invited guests included military and law enforcement families, foster and adoptive families, and administration officials with children. Separate complaints followed a presidential aircraft flyover the same afternoon. Footage from the official broadcast showed children approaching the couple in costumes resembling military attire and traditional Russian dress; a Turkish language report described the cap’s emblem as resembling USSR symbolism. The video did not explain why the costumes were chosen, and the children’s identities and reasons were not known. Reuters also noted the presidential aircraft made two passes around the White House.