Jill Biden slammed for remarks at WH Christmas Tree unveiling

The Biden administration's response to the recent hurricanes that devastated parts of the southern United States drew a great deal of criticism and scorn, and the controversy recently found its way into a Washington D.C. holiday tradition.

During a ceremony unveiling the official White House Christmas Tree, first lady Jill Biden's comments about the Fraser fir's origins in storm-ravaged North Carolina sparked disapproval and even mockery, with some slamming the odd imagery employed, as The Blaze reports.

Jill Biden welcomes White House tree

Addressing those assembled for the tree's reveal, Mrs. Biden offered some insight into the family farm from which it came.

“This beautiful Fraser fir was grown at Cartner's Christmas Tree Farm, where the Cartner family has been growing trees for more than 60 years,” she began.

The first lady went on, “The Cartner family lost thousands of trees to the storm. But this one remained standing – and they named it 'Tremendous' for the extraordinary hope that it represents.”

“It's an honor to be here today with Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, as well as members of the North Carolina National Guard – and their families – who are leading the work to rebuild after Hurricane Helene,” Mrs. Biden added.

“This tree,” she said, “recognizes your tremendous strength and service.”

Critics weigh in

Not everyone found Mrs. Biden's remarks to be particularly inspirational or apt, with critics voicing their opinions on social media, as The Blaze explained.

One online commenter said, “It is so fitting for the Biden family to take one beautiful resilient thing, cut it down, use it for their own benefit, and then toss the remainders when they are done.”

The irritated observer added, “It is representative of how that family has treated the White House and America.”

Another unhappy American mused, “Thousands of trees were destroyed at a Christmas Tree Farm in North Carolina, during Helene. One survived and Jill and Joe Biden chopped it down. Then shipped it to the Whitehouse. Poetic.”

Referencing the administration's widely controversial disaster response in the wake of the hurricanes, another user wrote, “After doing the least possible to help these poor people, many of whom still live in tents, this horrible administration uses their disaster for a political point. Stay classy Jill.”