Trump, first lady take part in National Christmas Tree lighting

President Trump on Thursday took part in the annual National Christmas Tree lighting, making brief remarks at the celebration just hours after House Democrats made clear they would move to impeach him in the coming weeks.

The president and first lady Melania Trump attended a celebration on the Ellipse just outside the White House. Trump did not mention impeachment or politics in brief remarks. He thanked staffers who made the event possible and recounted a bit of history about the ceremony and Christmas itself.

“Melania and I would like to wish you a very, very merry Christmas,” Trump told guests.

The president then counted down from five seconds before the first lady flipped a switch to light the tree. A band played “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as Trump stood behind the podium.

Hundreds of people assembled near the Ellipse to witness the tree lighting, which was followed by musical performances by various artists.

Government attendees included Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-Texas), each of whom Trump recognized by name.

Melania Trump earlier this week unveiled the White House Christmas decorations, which adhered to the chosen theme of “The Spirit of America.”

In total, the decorations include 58 Christmas trees, more than 15,000 bows and more than 2,500 strands of lights, according to the White House.

The president complained during his campaign for president that Americans were no longer saying “Merry Christmas.” He has suggested at various times since taking office that the country has resumed using that phrase.