8 of the best Halloween costumes worn by presidents and first families

Talia LakritzJan 13, 2024, 02:51 IST

President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton as President James Madison and first lady Dolley Madison in 1993.National Archives

Then-first lady Jackie Kennedy went trick-or-treating incognito in 1962.
Bill and Hillary Clinton dressed as James and Dolley Madison at a 1993 White House Halloween party.

Halloween celebrations at the White House date back to 1958, when first lady Mamie Eisenhower filled the historic residence with faux skeletons and jack-o'-lanterns.

Over the years, presidents and first families have worn a variety of costumes. Some have even gone trick-or-treating incognito.

Here are eight photos that show the best Halloween costumes worn by presidents, first ladies, and their families.

In 1962, first lady Jackie Kennedy wore a black garment bag as a Halloween costume so that she could take her children trick-or-treating without getting recognized.

The Kennedy family on Halloween in 1962.Robert Knudsen/White House Photo/John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

President Richard Nixon's daughter Tricia greeted guests at the White House dressed in a colorful outfit with a purple eye mask in 1969.

Tricia Nixon greets guests at a White House Halloween party in 1969.Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images

President Jimmy Carter and his family dressed up for Halloween in 1978.

The Carter family on Halloween in 1978.Karl H. Schumacher/White House Photo/National Archives

President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton dressed up as their predecessors, President James Madison and first lady Dolley Madison, in 1993.

President Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton as President James Madison and first lady Dolley Madison in 1993.National Archives

Barbara Bush and her cousin Zander Ellis attended a gold-themed Halloween party in New York City in 2006.

Zander Ellis and Barbara Bush on Halloween in 2006.Shawn Ehlers/WireImage/Getty Images

President George W. Bush's pets got into the Halloween spirit in 2007, as well.

From left to right: White House pets, India, Miss Beazley and Barney on the South Lawn of the White House in 2007.Shealah Craighead/White House Photo

During their first Halloween in the White House in 2009, first lady Michelle Obama dressed up as a leopard, complete with face paint and costume ears.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet trick-or-treaters at the White House in 2009 in Washington, DC.Kristoffer Tripplaar-Pool/Getty Images

First lady Jill Biden wore butterfly wings and a purple wig with purple face paint to hand out candy to trick-or-treaters in 2022.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrive to give treats to trick-or-treaters on the South Lawn of the White House in 2022.Alex Brandon/AP

Sen. Dianne Feinstein is dead at 90. Photos show her time as the longest-serving woman in the Senate.

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