High winds battered the National Christmas Tree outside the White House Tuesday evening, two days before it was set to be officially lit by President Biden.
The majestic 40-foot fir, which was delivered to the White House Ellipse on the south side of the executive mansion on Nov. 14, fell at about 2 p.m. ET, according to officials.
Work crews rushed to save the tree and uprighted it with a crane.
Strong winds hit the National Christmas Tree in Washington DC. NBC4 Washington The tree was lifted back up by a crane. NBC4 Washington
It was unclear whether the decorated tree could be saved for Thursday’s lighting ceremony, a tradition that celebrates its centenary this year.
The National Park Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Post.
Some conservatives were quick to slam the Biden administration over the tree’s fall.
“The national Christmas tree fell. Perfectly sums up Joe Biden’s presidency,” wrote the GOP X House Judiciary account.
Meanwhile, the US Capitol tree lighting ceremony went on as scheduled on Tuesday evening.
The tree fell a day after the White House unveiled its decorations for the Christmas season.
The tree fell a day after the White House unveiled its holiday decorations. NBC4 Washington
In a departure from the past two Christmases, the Biden family chose not to hang stockings on the mantle in the State Dining Room — a decision that caused consternation after the first couple belatedly recognized the illegitimate daughter of first son Hunter Biden, Navy Joan Roberts, earlier this year. .
In 2021 and 2022, the stocking is given pride of place in the holiday display and bears the name of the first grandchild and the first pet.
President Biden and his family plan to celebrate Christmas at Camp David this year and will hang their stockings there instead, according to a White House spokesman.
The White House during the 97th Annual National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2019. Getty Images The lighting ceremony is set for Thursday. EPA
The extravagant decorations of the White House include 98 Christmas trees, about 34,000 ornaments, and 142,000 twinkling lights.
More than 300 volunteers helped set up the decorations, which were based on the theme “The Magic, Wonder and Joy” of Christmas.
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