As the sun dips below the horizon and jack-o’-lanterns flicker to life, Americans are reminded that Halloween has arrived. With ghouls, goblins, and ghosts in abundance, the nation’s leaders often join in the festivities. But this year, the fun was not just reserved for the kids. Former President Donald Trump decided to resurrect a memory that’s as sweet as a full-sized candy bar. Perhaps you remember that legendary moment from his first term? It’s okay if you don’t. Allow us to refresh your memory.
Back in those halcyon days, Trump had a bit of Halloween fun by placing a full-size candy bar on the head of a child dressed as a minion from “Despicable Me.” An action that, for some reason or another, became iconic. Melania followed suit, stacking a candy bar on the child’s head as well. The image became the kindling for a meme bonfire, capturing the nation’s whimsical Halloween spirit. Even the White House leaned into the viral hilarity, crafting its own memes to the delight of the internet.
Fast forward to the present, and Trump brought back this cherished memory to spread some seasonal cheer. With full-sized candy bars at the ready, President Trump participated in Halloween by revisiting his now-famous candy-placing tradition. This time, it involved a child dressed as Marshmello, a well-known DJ character. While trick-or-treaters lined up, watched by their proud parents, the former president managed to create a new wave of laughter and delight.
Meanwhile, in a Halloween tale that’s more sinister, President Joe Biden was called out for his own interactions with children during the spooky season. For some reason, photographs emerged showing odd interactions, leaving Americans cringing. Each October seems to bring a fresh batch of these bewildering pictures. Though meant to be playful, it left parents wishing that their kids were trick-or-treating a bit further from his reach.
As the public witnessed these two opposing presidential Halloween spectacles, the differences couldn’t have been starker. On one hand, Trump partook in a nostalgia-filled, candy-centric episode replete with humor. On the other, Biden’s strange antics seemed more like a scene from a horror movie than a candy-corn-filled autumn evening. Parents everywhere were reminded of the importance of choosing their children’s Halloween routes wisely, dodging danger in the form of overenthusiastic politicians.
At the end of the day, Halloween is a time for fun frights and sugary delights. Thanks to figures like Trump, who provide laughs and sweets aplenty, the holiday retains its lighthearted charm. Meanwhile, the peculiarities of Biden’s behavior serve as a haunting reminder of the need for discretion when participating in public events. Here’s hoping next Halloween will be filled with more treats than tricks.
