WASHINGTON ― President Donald Trump is set Monday to host the annual White House Easter Egg Roll hours after the death of Pope Francis, making for a somber backdrop for the light-hearted, kid-friendly affair.
Following a presidential tradition dating back to 1878, Trump will open the White House South Lawn to thousands of children who will roll more than 30,000 painted eggs. Trump has said he expect 40,000 people to attend.
Earlier in the day, the Vatican announced Pope Francis died at 88, one day after he greeted thousands in St. Peter’s Square after Easter Mass in his open-air popemobile and also met with Vice President JD Vance. The pope had been battling bilateral pneumonia and other health issues.
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.
The egg roll is scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. EDT. Trump is expected to speak.
In a new controversial twist this year that has raised ethics concerns, the 2025 egg roll is the first iteration of the tradition to be open to corporate sponsorships. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit White House Historical Association, the lead organizer of the egg roll.
The country’s largest tech companies make up some of the corporate sponsors, according to a list released by the White House, including Amazon, Meta and YouTube.
The Easter Egg Roll, held on the White House South Lawn, dates back to 1878 under President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Despite above-normal prices for eggs sparked by a bird flu outbreak, the White House Easter egg roll will use real eggs donated by the American Egg Board, according to NBC News.
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.