President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump light up the National Christmas Tree

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump rang in the holiday season in Washington on Thursday night with the lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse, just south of the White House.

The president let the first lady push the button to light up the tree, a 32-foot red spruce from George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Virginia.

“Melania and I are thrilled to wish everyone here tonight and Americans all across this land a very, very Merry Christmas,” said the president.

The tree lighting has a centerpiece of the presidential holiday season since 1923, back when former President Calvin Coolidge began the tradition.

After the lighting, the president spoke both about the tree’s beauty and touted some of his accomplishments.

“As a nation, we have much to be grateful for on this holiday season,” he said. “Our border is secure, our spirit is restored. Most secure border we’ve ever had in the history of our country. Seven months and nobody has come in illegally into our country. Nobody. Not one. Our economy is thriving, inflation has stopped, our nation is strong.”

The president also spoke about peace deals, the 2020 election, and the World Cup and Summer Olympics being held in the U.S.

He also offered condolences for the two National Guard members who were shot last month in Washington.

“I want to pay my highest respects to those two great Guardsmen. You know who I’m talking about?” said President Trump. “They paid in one case, the ultimate and the other, Andrew, is getting better. Sarah, unfortunately, is watching from high, watching from heaven. Her parents are so incredible. And Andrew is hopefully getting better.”

The tree is on display through New Year’s Day.

The full National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony will air on Friday at 8 p.m. ET on the Great American Family channel.