Melania Trump, the new First Lady of the United States, is now living in the White House and is ready to welcome visitors. The White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., is one of the few presidential homes in the world that allows the public to take tours. These tours are available throughout the year, but they are temporarily closed every four years during the presidential inauguration. After the ceremony, the new First Lady traditionally reopens the White House for tours, and this year, Melania Trump has announced that the tours will resume on February 25, 2025.
The White House is more than just a home for the President and their family; it is a symbol of the nation’s unity and progress. It is considered public property, belonging to the American people. In a statement from her office, Melania Trump expressed her excitement about reopening the White House to visitors. She emphasized that the White House is not only a beautiful building but also a place filled with history and memories of past presidents and their families. She invited people to come and experience this history firsthand, calling it a uniquely American tradition. She also mentioned that she and President Donald Trump would be honored to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors to this iconic landmark.
Tham Kannalikham, an interior designer who was appointed to the Committee for the Preservation of the White House in 2019, shared similar feelings. Born in Laos and now based in New York, Tham is a highly respected designer with an impressive career. In an interview with Hola! USA and Hello! Magazine, she spoke about her deep love for America and her sense of responsibility toward preserving its history. Like Melania Trump, Tham is not a U.S.-born citizen, but she feels a strong connection to the country and is committed to helping maintain the White House as a historic treasure. She said she would work alongside Melania to ensure the White House remains a proud symbol of the nation.
The White House tours typically last about 45 minutes and are self-guided, meaning visitors can explore at their own pace. However, there are Secret Service agents stationed in each room who are available to answer questions about the history of the rooms or the furniture. The tours are free of charge, but they operate on a first-come, first-served basis. To join a tour, visitors must request tickets through their members of Congress. The tour schedule varies, but they are usually open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tours are not available on federal holidays.
The White House is not just a building; it is a living museum that tells the story of America’s past and present. From the portraits of former First Ladies to the historic rooms where important decisions have been made, every corner of the White House has a story to share. Melania Trump and Tham Kannalikham are both dedicated to preserving this history and ensuring that the White House remains a place where people can connect with the nation’s heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the home of the President, a visit to the White House offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of American history.
