Staff Reports
During the handoff between Election Day and Inauguration Day, public tours of the White House enjoyed a long vacation, likely thinking they were on a never-ending holiday. However, first lady Melania Trump stepped up to the plate, proclaiming that the doors of America’s most famous house would be flung wide open for tours, beginning February 25. This announcement, reported by the New York Post, sent a wave of patriotic glee through President Trump’s supporters and all red-blooded Americans itching to visit the seat of executive power.
In an official missive from the Office of the First Lady, Melania expressed her enthusiasm about reopening the White House for tours, emphasizing that it offers a unique glimpse into America’s glorious history and the great tradition of the presidency. It’s worth noting that while some might roll their eyes at a trip to a government building, this isn’t just any building. It’s the White House, for crying out loud, a place where the likes of Lincoln and Reagan have walked—no, not walked, but strode with a confident purpose!
NEW: @FLOTUS Melania Trump is reopening the White House for public tours, beginning Feb. 25#MELANIATRUMP pic.twitter.com/mAAJnRb4mT
— Brooke Singman (@BrookeSingman) February 12, 2025
Visitors eager for a closer look at the halls where decisions that shape the nation are made can start planning their visit, but they better get cozy with the congressional office of their choice—because advance planning is the name of the game here. A crystal ball won’t help navigate this process; instead, reservations should be made three weeks to three months ahead. And let’s not forget the small print—tours are first-come, first-served. It’s just like waiting in line for concert tickets, but this time, the encore isn’t just for the music lovers; it’s for every American who wants to bask in the glory of the presidency.
For those who may have drifted off in history class, it’s important to remember that public tours of the White House have been around since the days when Thomas Jefferson was trying to figure out how to serve a decent cup of coffee. Over the years, tours have endured, taking a pause only for wars and the recent pandemic that had everyone hoarding toilet paper instead of touring government landmarks. It is ironic; while CNN might have reported that tours resumed in June 2022 after a two-year hiatus, they seemed to conveniently overlook the jubilant spirit that the Trump administration brought back to the White House’s public access.
Now, as Melania reminds everyone, these tours are the perfect opportunity for the public to see where the magic happens—or where it probably gains a bit of chaos during press briefings. Who wouldn’t want to have a brief glimpse into the life of a president and their family? After all, every visit is a chance to appreciate not just the architecture but also the wonderful dysfunction that often accompanies governance in the world’s greatest country.
As fate would have it, there are hopes that these tours will continue on their merry way, unaffected by unforeseen calamities or foreign disputes. The idea of enjoying a self-guided tour while imagining grand negotiations, epic tweets, and, of course, the tweeting of epic photos certainly appeals to the average citizen. So, mark those calendars and start practicing the art of scheduling—touring the White House is back, and it promises to be a patriotic affair no true American will want to miss.
