WASHINGTON—Thousands of children and families joined President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House on April 21 for the annual Easter Egg Roll celebration.
The Trumps gathered on the Blue Room Balcony to greet the well-dressed attendees, with the sounds of the Marine Corps band welcoming the pair to the event.
After introductory remarks, the first couple joined the crowd and blew a whistle to start egg roll races, while a boisterous audience chanted “USA” in the background.
Youngsters of all ages participated in egg hunts and races, with some eggs seen flying about 8 feet off the ground after overeager children launched their eggs with wooden spoons from the starting line.
In the aftermath of an egg shortage that impacted the nation in recent months, officials highlighted that all eggs used for the celebration were donated by American farmers.
The first lady joined a group of children on the South Lawn of the White House to read a book titled “Bunny with a Big Heart,” with a lesson about learning to be kinder with family.
Guests seen at the event include White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt; special adviser to the president Stephen Miller; and Kash Patel, director of the FBI, among others.
“This year’s event will offer children and families from across the country the opportunity to experience a day of fun, learning, and memorable moments,” the White House said.
America250, a bipartisan nonprofit group coordinating celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, is among the organizations supporting the Easter event by hosting experiences meant to “bring history to life” with opportunities to sign a miniature version of the Declaration of Independence and dress up as a Founding Father, among other highlights.
“It’s important, especially for kids and families, to recognize the 250-year anniversary and also understand the values on which our country was founded,” Rosie Rios, chair of the organization, told The Epoch Times during the event. “And more importantly, hopefully inspire them to be more active participants and future leaders.”
Attendees received gold-painted wooden eggs, adorned with printed versions of the president and first lady’s signatures, as mementos. Those unable to attend can find the collectibles for sale at the White House Historical Association website.
Hayes invited a group of children who approached the White House gates on Easter Monday, and the event evolved into an annual gathering.
Earlier accounts of informal egg rolling activities date back to the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, according to the White House.
Egg roll celebrations became so popular that tickets were limited, and the Secret Service was forced to shut down an illegal operation in 1939 that included a group of children who were sneaking adults into the event for a fee.
Trump spoke to reporters during impromptu gatherings during the celebration, chastising the “fake media” for focusing on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and the use of Signal to communicate, among other topics.
The president also offered condolences to Catholics around the world following the death of Pope Francis earlier in the day.
“He’s a very good man who loved the world, and he especially loved people that were having a hard time, and that’s good with me,” Trump told reporters during the event, saying he was heading to a briefing about the pope’s funeral.
