Washington — First lady Melania Trump lit the National Christmas Tree on a chilly Thursday night in the nation's capital.

At the annual tree lighting on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, President Donald Trump told the crowd, “The first lady is going to do the honors.”

He counted down from five to zero. Melania then stepped forward and pressed a button that made the tree behind them sparkle with gold-toned lights.

“It’s a beauty,” the president said.

The event featured performances by rock legends the Beach Boys, Christian music singer Matthew West and country artists Gabby Barrett, Jon Pardi, Alana Springsteen, Brett Young and Warren Zeiders.

In brief remarks, President Trump touched on the peace deal signed earlier Thursday between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Co

See Full Page