Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden hosted their final Halloween event at the White House on Wednesday, October 30. The event quickly gained traction online, when moment of Biden playfully “nibbling” on a baby dressed as a chicken went on social media.
In the video circulating on social media, the president can be seen playing with the baby on his mothers lap, gently pretending to “bite” the baby’s thigh, in a lighthearted nod to the infant’s costume. The interaction sparked a mix of responses online, with some celebrating the 80-year-old grandfather’s playful spirit, while others felt the display was a bit unconventional.
White House Halloween Tradition
The annual Halloween event brought festive cheer to the White House, where children walked along the South Lawn to the South Portico, collecting treats and books from the Bidens and their White House guests. This year, First Lady Jill Biden introduced an educational twist, naming the event “Hallo-Read” to encourage literacy. Dressed as a giant panda, Jill read from the children’s book 10 Spooky Pumpkins to a group of kids in costumes on the White House lawn, while President Biden wore his signature black suit and tie.
As the sun set, the presidential couple spent about an hour handing out treats. President Biden offered White House-branded Hershey’s Kisses, while the First Lady handed out copies of 10 Spooky Pumpkins to the children.
According to VoA, This year’s event drew approximately 8,000 guests, including children from military families and local students, who passed through the gates to enjoy the festivities.
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The Last White House Halloween for Biden
The White House celebrated the holiday with Halloween-themed decorations, including a large orange moon and a “Hallo-Read at the White House” sign. While also a cardboard cutouts of Willow, the family cat, along with oversized books and pumpkins adorned the South Lawn.
The 2024 Halloween celebration marked the final time the Bidens will host trick-or-treaters at the White House, as President Biden announced in July that he would not seek reelection. With his departure set for January, this event added a sentimental touch to the long-standing White House Halloween tradition, giving the Bidens one more chance to engage with families and communities in a spirited farewell.
(Raidi/Agung)
