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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, surprised visitors last Tuesday during the first guided tour of the 47th presidency at the White House, praising the work of First Lady Melania Trump in organizing the highly sought-after excursions.
“I want to thank you all very much for coming. The tour is amazing,” said Trump to the visitors, who were gathered in an underground hallway of the White House, reported the NYPost.
"The First Lady worked very hard to make everything perfect, and I believe you are really going to love it," added Trump, who made his appearance at the age of 78 after hearing that the tour was taking place and decided to "stop by and say hello."
Trump took the opportunity to make a humorous comment: “They are very well-dressed people, I must say. Very elegant. Maybe someday they will be here as president,” which elicited laughter from the group.
At the end of his speech, the former president asked his team members to give them a "special tour," which sparked shouts of "USA! USA!" among the excited visitors.
The self-guided tours of the White House had been suspended during the transition period leading up to the inauguration of the new administration on January 20. However, First Lady Melania Trump announced on February 12 the resumption of these tours.
"The president and I are excited to reopen the White House to those interested in the extraordinary history of this iconic and beautiful place," Melania expressed at that moment.
"Here, you can learn a lot about the presidency of the United States, the first families who have lived in this place, and the rich history of our nation through a firsthand experience," he added. "This opportunity is unique among the nations of the world, a tradition that we are proud to continue for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who arrive each year."
Members of the public can request a guided tour of the White House through their congressional representatives or senators up to three months in advance. Foreign citizens can book their tour through their country's embassy in Washington, D.C.
The free visit includes access to various iconic areas, such as the Vermeil Room, the Library, the China Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, the Green Room, the State Dining Room, and a view of the Kennedy Garden, according to officials.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reopening of the White House and Donald Trump's Surprise Visit
Why were the guided tours of the White House suspended and when were they reinstated?
Guided tours of the White House were suspended during the presidential transition period before Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. They resumed on February 25, 2025, as previously announced by First Lady Melania Trump on February 12.
How can citizens request a visit to the White House?
American citizens can request a guided tour of the White House through their congressional representatives or senators up to three months in advance. Foreign citizens must book through their country's embassy in Washington, D.C.
Which areas of the White House are included in the guided tour?
The guided tour of the White House includes access to several iconic areas such as the Vermeil Room, the Library, the China Room, the Blue Room, the Red Room, the Green Room, the State Dining Room, and a view of the Kennedy Garden.
What comments did Donald Trump make during his surprise appearance at the White House?
During his surprise appearance, Donald Trump praised Melania Trump's work in organizing the guided tours and joked that the visitors were "very well dressed" and that one day they could be presidents. He also asked his team to offer a "special tour" to the visitors.
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