Donald Trump has hailed the relentless bombing of Iran alongside a giant Easter Bunny as hundreds of children descended on the White House for the annual Egg Roll.
The President was joined by Melania on the balcony facing the South Lawn as he addressed attendees about the ongoing conflict, including a daring rescue mission over the weekend to save an airman lost behind enemy lines.
‘What about the rescue that took place yesterday, that’s something that you rarely see,’ Trump told the crowd on Monday, adding that it had been pulled off despite a ‘very strong’ enemy.
‘Not so strong like they were about a month ago,’ Trump said, referring to the devastating US-Israel strikes that have decimated Iran’s leadership since they were launched on February 28.
Families draped in pastel suits and bright sundresses flooded the White House’s South Lawn for the annual Egg Roll on Monday as military bands blared through blue skies.
Those in attendance were fortunate enough to score sought-after tickets, which were dispersed to Trump administration employees, friends and those lucky enough to win a ticket lottery.
Some of the President’s grandchildren were also in attendance as Eric and Lara Trump brought their kids, Luke and Carolina, while Tiffany Trump and her husband, Michael Boulos, were spotted with their son, Alexander.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller and his wife, Katie, were also seen alongside their youngsters.
The roll on the White House lawn began in 1878 under President Rutherford B Hayes after grouchy lawmakers in Congress banned children and their families from hurling eggs down Capitol Hill, citing concerns over the little feet damaging the landscaping.
These days, the event draws tens of thousands of people to the White House, where children get to embark on a hunt for real eggs while their parents socialize and a Trump administration official hops around the grounds dressed as the Easter Bunny.
The main event is the Easter Egg Roll – a traditional game where decorated, hard-boiled eggs are rolled across the White House lawn using just a spoon. The custom historically symbolizes the rolling away of the stone from Christ’s tomb.
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday this summer, the White House wanted the Easter event to drip with patriotic pageantry.
The eggs for the roll have all been dyed red, white and blue.
Less patriotic, however, possibly more American, are the many corporate sponsors that flocked to the event: Meta hosted a booth on AI, YouTube gave out swag bags, The New York Stock Exchange sponsored a challenge coin creation station, and of course, Coca-Cola provided drinks, including Trump’s favorite – Diet Coke.
Music was provided by the US Marine Band, Army Band, Navy Band, Air Force Band and the Revolutionary War recreating Army Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps.
