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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, just hours after the world learned of Pope Francis’ death at the age of 88. The president paid tribute to the late pontiff, calling him “a good man” and ordering flags flown at half-staff in his honor.
The Easter Egg Roll, one of Washington’s most beloved springtime traditions, took place as scheduled on the South Lawn of the White House, which was adorned with nearly 30,000 real eggs — a notable detail considering record-high egg prices across the country.
In a nod to the National Park Service, which prepared the festive layout, Trump called the decorations “beautiful and spiffy.”
This year’s event marked a shift in sponsorship strategy. While the American Egg Board has traditionally backed the celebration, the 2025 edition saw major corporations like Amazon, Meta, and YouTube step in. Sponsorship packages reportedly ranged from $75,000 to $200,000, with top-tier sponsors receiving custom branding spaces on the lawn and exclusive access to events like a brunch with the First Lady.
A brochure by the events firm Harbinger promoted the opportunity for “media and PR exposure” at the event, noting the high visibility of brands in front of the White House press corps.
This year’s theme looked ahead to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, inviting children to sign mini Declarations of Independence and dress up as Founding Fathers. Kids also enjoyed classic lawn games and egg-rolling activities, continuing a tradition that began in 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes.
While many attendees are traditionally children of political insiders, others earned their spot through a nationwide lottery that includes families from all 56 U.S. states and territories.
The White House Easter Egg Roll has survived wars and political shifts. Originally banned from the Capitol grounds due to landscape damage in the 1870s, it found a new home at the White House. The event was paused during World Wars I and II but revived by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.
Despite the solemn tone due to the Pope’s death, Monday’s event remained vibrant and festive — a mix of solemn reflection, corporate glitz, and patriotic celebration.
