The Christmas season is in full swing in the United States, and how members of President Trump’s cabinet are spending this festive holiday is of particular interest. They will be participating in a variety of activities to celebrate the season, both official engagements in their public capacities and private time spent with family.
In Washington D.C., the holiday season is always bustling with events, as the White House hosts numerous celebrations for members of Congress and cabinet members.
This year is no exception. For instance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attended the White House Congressional Ball earlier this month. First Lady Melania Trump hosted this annual event at the White House, welcoming bipartisan lawmakers from Congress.
President Trump mentioned that other cabinet members also attended the event. Referring to Rubio and Bessent, he remarked, “They’re pretty much all here,” without specifically naming the other attendees.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also hosted the Department of Defense’s first Christmas worship service at the Pentagon, with American evangelical missionary Franklin Graham, musicians Anne Wilson and Matthew West in attendance.
Furthermore, Hegseth’s wife Jen hosted a Christmas tea party at the Pentagon for Gold Star Families, who are families who have lost loved ones due to the sacrifice of active-duty service members.
In addition to official events in the nation’s capital, cabinet members and their families also have their own holiday traditions. The White House shared a video on December 13 detailing how the ministers and their families celebrate Christmas, including baking treats, hosting talent shows, and other festive activities.
Secretary of State’s wife Jeanette Rubio mentioned that their family will attend midnight Mass together on Christmas Day. She stated in the video, “It’s very important to us. We celebrate together because we want to uphold the meaning of Christmas.” The Rubios have four children.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s wife Allison mentioned that their favorite way to celebrate is lighting Hanukkah candles with their four children.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s wife Kathryn shared that their family celebrates Christmas by making a Norwegian flatbread called “Lefse.”
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s wife Cheryl Hines expressed that their large family members make the holidays even more enjoyable.
In the video, she said, “We love hosting talent shows. Not everyone is as talented as they might wish, but that doesn’t stop us from singing our hearts out or dancing to some crazy moves. We always have a great time together.”
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins’ wife Lisa mentioned that their family enjoys decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments collected over nearly 40 years.