No impeachment bauble for White House Xmas tree

03 December, 2008, 15:04

A controversial Christmas tree ornament covered with a slogan to impeach President George W Bush has been rejected by the first lady.

Laura Bush asked congressmen to find painters from their districts to decorate ornaments for the traditional White House Christmas tree. It was presumed they would use the opportunity to honour local heroes and places, reports the Washington Post.

But Deborah Lawrence from Seattle created a red and white ball with a political statement. It has tiny text on its white swirling stripes saluting Congressman Jim McDermott and his call to impeach the President.

The ornament was initially accepted, but when the media got hold of the story, the decoration was barred from the Christmas tree.

“It's inappropriate and it's not being hung,” confirmed spokeswoman for the first lady Sally McDonough.

Ms Lawrence said: “This doesn't really surprise me. But it's disappointing that I won't get to see it on the tree.”