Continuing a nearly 50-year tradition, the American Egg Board (AEB), on behalf of America’s egg farmers, will proudly present the 2025 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg to First Lady Melania Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, April 21 in Washington, D.C.
This year’s First Lady’s Commemorative Egg, the fifth created in tribute to Mrs. Trump, honours her ongoing commitment to children through the Fostering the Future Foundation.
“It is a true privilege to continue our tradition of honoring our nation’s First Ladies by presenting the 2025 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg to First Lady Melania Trump on behalf of America’s egg farmers at the White House Easter Egg Roll,” said Emily Metz, president and CEO of the American Egg Board.
“Eggs play a central role in our beloved Easter and Passover traditions, and we are proud to celebrate this cherished symbol of the season at the White House and in homes across the country.”
About The 2025 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg
Inspired by First Lady Trump’s involvement with Fostering the Future, a “Be Best” initiative, the 2025 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg features a delicate butterfly carved into a real chicken eggshell, with wings spread wide in a gesture of freedom and growth. The intricately detailed wings create a stunning interplay of light, texture, and form, representing the fragile yet powerful journey of foster children. The inside of the egg reveals three butterflies resting on a branch.
Encircling the butterfly, a winding ivy vine etched into the egg’s surface reflects foster children’s diverse paths, representing the challenges, triumphs, and personal stories shaping their futures. This piece is not only a work of art but a heartfelt tribute to the mission of Fostering the Future and the children it supports.
About the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg Tradition
A tradition for nearly 50 years, the American Egg Board, on behalf of America’s egg farmers, has presented the First Lady of the United States with the First Lady’s Commemorative Egg.
This year’s egg, presented to First Lady Melania Trump, will be the 48th First Lady’s Commemorative Egg and the fifth such egg created to honour Mrs. Trump.
The First Lady’s Commemorative Egg is an actual chicken egg transformed by a specialised egg artist into a one-of-a-kind work of art, reflecting the values, causes, and contributions of each First Lady it honours.
Over the years, these eggs have highlighted a wide range of causes—from literacy and childhood wellness to anti-bullying campaigns—and have even featured beloved presidential pets.
The Tradition
The White House Easter Egg Roll officially dates back to 1878, under the presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes.
However, first-hand accounts suggest that informal egg-rolling parties began under President Abraham Lincoln. Starting in the 1870s, Easter Monday celebrations on the U.S. Capitol’s west grounds became so popular that President Ulysses S. Grant signed a bill banning the rolling of eggs on Capitol grounds, citing landscape concerns.
In 1878, a group of bold children walked up to the White House gate, hoping to be allowed to play egg-rolling games there. President Hayes told his guards to let the children enter, and soon Easter Monday on the White House grounds became an annual tradition. President Benjamin Harrison added music to the festivities in 1889 with the United States Marine Band.
Egg roll attendance grew so popular that the number of guests had to be limited, and in 1939, the Secret Service had to go so far as to shut down a “racket” of children trying to sneak adults into the event for a fee.
The planning of the egg roll traditionally falls on first ladies, each incorporating her own tastes and interests to the event. First Lady Lou Hoover had part of the South Lawn roped off for folk dancing. First Lady Pat Nixon introduced the traditional egg roll races.
Because of World War I and World War II, there were no egg rolls from 1917 to 1920 and from 1943 to 1945. Food conservation and construction on the White House also prevented any celebrations from 1946 to 1952. Fortunately, President Dwight D. Eisenhower reinstated the tradition in 1953.
The custom to receive a wooden Easter egg when leaving the event began in 1981 — an idea instituted by First Lady Nancy Reagan — and became a keepsake cherished by guests that donned the signature of the President and First Lady.
Ticket Lottery
As in years past, the Easter Egg Roll lottery provides a way for guests from all 50 states and territories to be included. White House Easter Egg Roll tickets are free and will be made available via an online lottery.
To enter, visit Recreation.Gov and create an account. The 2025 lottery page will have a list of time preferences to choose from.
Entrants must specify the number of adults/children on the ticket request screen, along with their time preference. Choose multiple time slots if you are flexible.
There must be at least one child (age 12 and under) and one adult to apply, with a maximum of two adults per application. Each household will be limited to one lottery application for a maximum of six tickets.
Official Easter Egg Set
Each year, souvenir wooden eggs are given to children attending the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. These commemorative eggs are available for purchase as a 5-piece set at the White House Historical Association shop, online or in-person.
