The White House is seeking corporate sponsors for its upcoming Easter Egg Roll, scheduled for April 21, raising ethical and legal concerns regarding the potential commercialization of the historic event. Critics argue that allowing companies to profit from the 147-year-old tradition could blur the lines between public service and private gain.
According to a nine-page sponsorship guide reviewed, corporate sponsors can choose from packages ranging from $75,000 to $200,000. The premier package includes benefits such as a corporate booth, logo placements, branded snacks or beverages, exclusive tickets to a brunch with first lady Melania Trump, engagement opportunities with the White House Press Corps, a private White House tour, and tickets to the event itself.
The guide, produced by Harbinger, an event production company founded by Republican aides, encourages sponsors to "be a part of history" and offers an opportunity for brand visibility and national recognition while providing financial support and activities to enhance the Easter Egg Roll.
Traditionally, any funds raised from the event are directed to the White House Historical Association, a private nonprofit organization established by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. While the event primarily operates without taxpayer funding, sponsorships differ from the contributions made by marketing groups like the American Egg Board, which traditionally donated eggs without promotional visibility.
Federal regulations prevent government employees from leveraging their public office for personal benefit. Richard W. Painter, a former chief ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, stated that the White House appears to be violating this code by allowing private enterprises to use an official event for brand promotion, as well as enabling proceeds to benefit a private nonprofit.
Painter expressed surprise at the decision to raise funds in this manner, recalling a more cautious approach taken during the Bush administration. He highlighted the importance of maintaining ethical guidelines, which most presidents have adhered to since the resignation of President Richard M. Nixon in 1974.
The White House has not commented on the sponsorship initiative, which had previously received attention from other media outlets. Requests for comments from Harbinger and the White House Historical Association have gone unanswered.
In recent months, President Trump and the first lady have faced criticism for perceived conflicts of interest, including the hosting of an exclusive car show for Tesla, led by CEO Elon Musk, and the promotion of their own cryptocurrency initiatives on social media.
The Easter Egg Roll, a tradition that began in 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes, continues to draw large crowds each year on the South Lawn, where children roll hard-boiled eggs in a symbolic race to the finish line.