White House to reopen for public tours in December

The White House will officially reopen for public tours this December. 

Tours were paused during the summer ahead of the construction of President Donald Trump’s new ballroom. 

“The White House will reopen its doors … with an updated route offering guests the opportunity to experience the history and beauty of the People’s House,” according to a Friday press release from the White House.

“In celebration of the holiday season, all December tours will feature the White House Christmas decorations on the State Floor,” the statement continued. “The decorations in each room will be thoughtfully designed and curated under the direction of First Lady Melania Trump. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the beloved annual tradition that transforms the White House into a festive reflection of the spirit, warmth, faith, and hope of the holiday season.”

The White House added that congressional offices can resume submitting tour requests for constituents starting Monday, Nov. 3. Doors will officially reopen on Tuesday, Dec. 2. 

Though Trump has faced criticism from historians amidst the remodeling of the East Wing, the administration has defended the project. 

“We’ve been keeping you apprised of this project. We’ve shown you the renderings. And if you look at the renderings, it’s very clear the East Wing was going to be modernized,” White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt said, according to The Hill.

“The president wants to do right by the people’s house. And so, that’s exactly what he’s doing,” she added. “It’s going to be … much more stable, strong, secure and more beautiful than ever once it’s complete.”

White House historian William Seale noted that the presidential residence has undergone numerous changes over the years. 

"The White House has been pulled apart, rearranged, gutted by fire and renovation, reassembled; yet it is always the same. Its idea has become its essence," he said.