President Donald Trump hosted hundreds of costumed guests " from superheroes to dinosaurs and even a few children dressed as the first couple " as part of Thursday night`s Halloween celebration at the White House. He and first lady Melania Trump emerged on the South Lawn as evening was starting to fall to an orchestral version of Michael Jackson`s "Thriller." Neither was in costume. Trump wore a blue suit and red tie with a red "USA" cap; his wife was in a brown coat over an orange dress. The couple handed out full-sized Hershey bars and Twizzlers in boxes with the presidential seal to a line of children and their parents that stretched down the driveway. Temporary walls obscured the view of the construction of Trump`s new White House ballroom " which has led to the demolition of the East Wing " though a parked bulldozer could still be seen hulking on the other side. "It`s a long line," Trump said.

"It`s almost as big as the ballroom." The White House tradition went ahead despite Trump returning mere hours earlier from a six-day Asia trip that took him to Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and amid a government shutdown in its 30th day. Trump has called for the government to reopen, but congressional Democrats are demanding an extension of expiring tax credits that have helped millions of people afford health insurance. Their Republican colleagues say they won`t negotiate until the government is reopened. Trump`s tariffs on Chinese imports have reduced inventory and raised prices for Halloween costumes for American importers, retailers and shoppers. Still, the White House exterior featured dozens of decorations resembling large autumn leaves and fall flowers like orange and red mums. The stairs leading to its balcony were crowded with carved pumpkins. Among the children attending the Halloween party were those of members of the military and White House staffers.