The recent return of classic Christmas decor to the White House has sparked a wave of online reactions, after former first lady Melania Trump unveiled a traditional holiday display that quickly went viral.
At the same time, social media users resurfaced a video from 2023 showing Jill Biden’s much-debated Christmas presentation, reigniting widespread commentary comparing the two styles.
On Monday, users on the platform X shared clips side-by-side — contrasting Melania Trump’s refined decorations with Jill Biden’s unconventional holiday performance from the previous administration.
When Jill Biden originally posted the video in 2023, she captioned it with: “A bit of magic, wonder, and joy brought to you by the talented tappers of Dorrance Dance, performing their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite.”
Dorrance Dance, founded in 2011 by Michelle Dorrance, describes its mission through a lens of cultural and social themes, including public statements about privilege and antiracism work.
The 2023 video featured a stylized tap-dance routine staged inside the White House — a performance that drew mixed reactions online at the time and resurfaced again this week.
A popular account on X reposted the clip on Monday with the caption: “Never forget.”
Other users shared direct comparisons between the two first ladies’ Christmas presentations. One described the earlier display as chaotic, while another commented that the White House now feels “peaceful” and “reset” for the holiday season.
Observers pointed out that during Jill Biden’s time, holiday presentations often carried a performative or expressive artistic tone, while Melania Trump has become known for traditional, visually cohesive Christmas themes.
Commentators also noted that the contrast between the two videos reflects deeper differences in tone and style. Jill Biden’s presentation was seen by critics as overly theatrical, while Melania’s latest holiday display has been described as calm, understated, and classic.
Supporters of the Trump family say the return to a traditional Christmas aesthetic feels refreshing, while others argue that the artistic direction of Jill Biden’s displays leaned too heavily into messaging rather than holiday simplicity.
Overall, the resurfaced video triggered a new round of conversation online, with many expressing relief at the return of a more traditional Christmas atmosphere inside the nation’s most symbolic residence.