Melania Trump took on her role as First Lady of the United States for the second time in January 2025. Since then, she has been rather discreet, and not making many appearances during official events. Now, it seems an event that has nothing to do with her is forcing the First Lady to delay a White House tradition, the Spring Garden tours.
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Protests force Melania Trump to postpone White House event
On Thursday 3 April 2025, the White House announced that Melania Trump was postponing her Spring Garden Tours, only by a day. Why is that? It seems planned protests on the National Mall against the head of the Department of Government Efficiency are to blame, according to an official statement from the White House, which reads:
This decision has been made out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of all within proximity to public demonstrations planned near the White House.
The protests, which are part of the Hands Off! rallies, are expected to take place on Saturday 5 April, to push back policies made by President Donald Trump and his partner, Elon Musk, who may soon step down from his position. Protesters will meet at 11am near the Washington Monument on the National Mall, and the event is said to kick off at noon. According to organisers, at least 12,500 people are expected to participate in the rally.
The official website for the Hands Off! rallies reads:
Trump, Musk, and their billionaire cronies are orchestrating an all-out assault on our government, our economy, and our basic rights - enabled by Congress every step of the way. They want to strip America for parts -shuttering Social Security offices, firing essential workers, eliminating consumer protections, and gutting Medicaid—all to bankroll their billionaire tax scam.
According to Daily Mail, a crowd of that size could be heard from White House's South Lawn.
What are the White House Spring Garden tours?
The White House garden tours are open to all Americans twice a year. The event is free, but all visitors are required to book a ticket in advance, including small children. According to the official White House website, people can expect to visit the grounds, including Michelle Obama's Kitchen Garden. The website reads:
On these days, visitors can explore the beauty of the South Lawn of the White House. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, and the White House Kitchen Garden will also be accessible to guests.
Melania Trump is not expected to attend the White House Spring Garden tours. People who bought tickets for 5 April will have to wait until the next day, Sunday 6 April, to get into the White House gardens.
They were told to stick to their planned time of entry.
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Sources used:
Daily Mail: Melania Trump forced to delay beloved White House tradition due to anti-Elon Musk protests
White House: First Lady Melania Trump Announces 2025 Spring Garden Tours
Newsweek: Protests Force Melania Trump to Adjust Garden Tours Schedule
