WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed trick-or-treaters at the White House for the final time on Wednesday.
The event took on a special educational twist as Jill, who has spent four decades in teaching, themed the occasion “Hallo-Read” to promote literacy among children.
Earlier that day, Jill Biden engaged with a group of costumed kids on the South Lawn by reading a short story featuring spooky pumpkins. Later in the day, she and the president returned to distribute candy and books generously donated by various private companies.
Throughout the day, as many as 8,000 individuals, including children associated with military families and students, were anticipated to visit the grounds of the White House.
The southern front of the executive residence was adorned with a large orange moon and a festive sign reading “Hallo-Read at the White House.” Additional decorations featured cardboard cutouts of the family cat, Willow, who typically stays out of the public eye, alongside towering stacks of books. Giant pumpkin ornaments were strategically placed near the entrance.
Biden has already announced he will not seek reelection and is set to leave office in January.
