12 Photos show how first lady Melania Trump decked out the White House for the last time

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12 Photos show how first lady Melania Trump decked out the White House for the last time
  • The White House on Monday showed off how first lady Melania Trump decorated the White House for her final Christmas in the White House.
  • Earlier this year, Trump was overheard in leaked audio complaining about having to decorate the White House for the holiday season in 2018.
  • "I'm working my a-- off with the Christmas stuff that, you know, who gives a f--- about Christmas stuff and decorations but I need to do it, right?" the first lady told a former advisor in a conversation that was secretly recorded.
  • This year's theme, "America the Beautiful," honors the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment, wildlife in the US, and American innovation in transportation.

First lady Melania Trump has decorated the White House, marking the final time the Trumps will celebrate Christmas in the Executive Mansion.

The White House on Monday unveiled this year's Christmas decorations in a series of photos less than a month after President Donald Trump's loss to President-elect Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

"I am excited to announce this year's White House holiday theme, 'America the Beautiful,'" the first lady said in a statement. "Over the past four years I have had the honor to travel to some of our nation's most beautiful landmarks and meet some of the most compassionate and patriotic American citizens."

This year's decorations also come months after audio was published by CNN in October of the first lady complaining to a former advisor in 2018 about having to decorate the White House for the holiday season amid criticism she hadn't taken on more meaningful work as the first lady.

"I'm working my a-- off with the Christmas stuff that, you know, who gives a f--- about Christmas stuff and decorations, but I need to do it, right?" Trump was heard saying in the audio.

Her comments on the holiday were particularly at odds with that of her husband and other prominent Republicans, who often allege a fictitious "war on Christmas," as phrases like "Happy Holidays" have become mainstream in the US to respect and include various religious beliefs.

The White House also released a video tour of the 2020 decorations, as it has in previous years.

See the 2020 Christmas decorations in the photos below.

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This year's theme is "America The Beautiful," offering a "tribute to the majesty of our great Nation," the White House said.

This year's theme is "America The Beautiful," offering a "tribute to the majesty of our great Nation," the White House said.
The mantle of the Red Room of the White House is decorated for the Christmas season in honor of our Nation's First Responders. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

"From coast to coast, the bond that all American's share is an appreciation for our traditions, values, and history, which were the inspiration behind the decorations this year," the first lady said in a statement.

"From coast to coast, the bond that all American's share is an appreciation for our traditions, values, and history, which were the inspiration behind the decorations this year," the first lady said in a statement.
The Cross Hall of the White House is decorated for the Christmas season. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
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The White House Express train can be seen in the East Room, which celebrates American innovation in transportation.

The White House Express train can be seen in the East Room, which celebrates American innovation in transportation.
The White House Express train decorates the center table of the East Room of the White House. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

The White House Library is decorated with the winning art from the first lady's 19th Amendment art competition, which asked children to submit artwork.

The White House Library is decorated with the winning art from the first lady's 19th Amendment art competition, which asked children to submit artwork.
Artwork submitted by children for First Lady Melania Trump's "Building the Movement Exhibit: America's Youth Celebrate 100 Years of Women's Suffrage" decorates the White House Library. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
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The White House Library is decorated to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which provided women the right to vote. The decorations shine "a spotlight on women who were pioneers for gender equality."

The White House Library is decorated to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which provided women the right to vote. The decorations shine "a spotlight on women who were pioneers for gender equality."
Decorations with photographs of historic American female leaders decorate the trees in the White House Library. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

Handmade ornaments in the Red Room honor "America's everyday heroes," including "first responders and frontline workers" who "serve their communities with a spirit of generosity," the White House said.

Handmade ornaments in the Red Room honor "America's everyday heroes," including "first responders and frontline workers" who "serve their communities with a spirit of generosity," the White House said.
A Christmas tree and decorations are on display in the Red Room of the White House. Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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The official White House Christmas Tree is found in the Blue Room. It's a Fraser fir that is more than 18 feet tall.

The official White House Christmas Tree is found in the Blue Room. It's a Fraser fir that is more than 18 feet tall.
The Blue Room of the White House decorated for the Christmas season. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

The State Dining Room is decked out in garland and multiple trees with gold ornaments.

The State Dining Room is decked out in garland and multiple trees with gold ornaments.
The State Dining Room of the White House decorated for the Christmas season. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
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This year's Gingerbread House is constructed from 275 pounds of gingerbread dough, 110 pounds of pastillage dough, 30 pounds of gum paste, 25 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing.

This year's Gingerbread House is constructed from 275 pounds of gingerbread dough, 110 pounds of pastillage dough, 30 pounds of gum paste, 25 pounds of chocolate, and 25 pounds of royal icing.
The gingerbread house, depicting the Executive Residence, the West and East Wings, and for the first time the Rose Garden and the First Ladies’ Garden, is seen in the State Dining Room of the White House. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

The Green Room is decorated to celebrate wildlife in the US. According to the White House, "vignettes in the windows showcase the diversity of creatures that flutter and find refuge among our native landscape."

The Green Room is decorated to celebrate wildlife in the US. According to the White House, "vignettes in the windows showcase the diversity of creatures that flutter and find refuge among our native landscape."
The Green Room of the White House decorated for the Christmas season. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
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The East Room is decorated in planes, trains, and automobiles to show the US has always "been on the move." The decorations celebrate American innovations from the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1863 to the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.

The East Room is decorated in planes, trains, and automobiles to show the US has always "been on the move." The decorations celebrate American innovations from the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1863 to the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.
The mirrors of the East Room of the White House decorated with planes for the Christmas season. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

The trees in the Diplomatic Reception Room are decorated with red and gold ornaments.

The trees in the Diplomatic Reception Room are decorated with red and gold ornaments.
The Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House is decorated for the Christmas season. Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
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This year's theme offers a more subdued and traditional approach to Christmas, a stark contrast to previous years where the first lady's bold choices made headlines.

This year's theme offers a more subdued and traditional approach to Christmas, a stark contrast to previous years where the first lady's bold choices made headlines.
Topiary trees line the East colonnade during the 2018 Christmas Press Preview at the White House in Washington. AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster