Melania Trump Delays White House Tradition Due to Anti-Musk Protests
The annual White House spring garden tours faced a one-day delay due to security concerns prompted by nearby demonstrations. Former First Lady Melania Trump’s office cited safety as the primary reason for the postponement. She later attended a State Department event the same day.
Large-scale protests organized under the **”Hands Off!”** banner took place across the U.S., with the largest gathering in Washington, D.C. The demonstrations targeted both former President Donald Trump and DOGE Director Elon Musk, drawing thousands of participants nationwide.
The protests intensified political tensions, particularly after some Democratic lawmakers made controversial remarks. Several comments were criticized as overly harsh and bordering on xenophobic, sparking debate about appropriate boundaries in political discourse.
Melania Trump, originally from Slovenia, faced renewed scrutiny over her immigration background during the protests. Critics revived past arguments about her origins, drawing backlash from those who questioned the relevance and tone of such personal attacks.
Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa, also became a target. Some lawmakers attempted to link his heritage to undemocratic ideals—a claim he has consistently denied, having publicly rejected apartheid and authoritarianism throughout his career.
Commentators across the political spectrum condemned the focus on personal backgrounds, arguing that it detracts from substantive policy discussions. Many called for debates to remain issue-based and respectful rather than devolving into attacks on heritage.
With security concerns still elevated, White House officials are monitoring for potential future demonstrations. The garden tours are expected to resume shortly, though with enhanced safety measures in place.
