A pitch deck for the White House Easter Egg Roll, an annual event attended by thousands of children and their parents on the White House lawn, is presenting multiple branding opportunities, event tickets, and a White House tour for companies that donate tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Critics have described this move as "absurdly corrupt."
This traditional event is seeking corporate sponsors, offering them the chance to advertise during the occasion and attend a private White House tour. A platinum-level sponsor, donating $200,000, will receive four tickets to a brunch hosted by Melania Trump, a 900-square-foot booth on site, branded snacks or souvenirs, naming rights for specific event areas, a standout mention in the program brochure or social media posts, and a chance to engage with the White House Press Corps on the South Lawn, as reported by the New York Times.
The sponsorship deck, titled "Sponsorship Opportunities," highlights that sponsors partnering with this historic tradition can engage with diverse audiences, demonstrate their commitment to community and education, and align with a cherished American event. Besides the $200,000 platinum sponsorship, the brochure also provides a $125,000 gold-level package and a $75,000 silver tier.
The document was crafted by Harbinger, an event company established in 2013, known for organizing the 2021 March for Our Lives and a media day for Uber’s self-driving technology, according to the company’s website. Following a Tesla showcase on the South Lawn, the solicitation document has sparked criticism, as some argue it violates established ethics rules.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) expressed her concerns, labeling the sponsorship as "absurdly corrupt" on social media platform X. Richard Painter, a law professor and former White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush, also commented on X, speculating humorously about the Easter Bunny driving a Tesla. Painter further criticized the practice of showcasing company brands for money as a misuse of public office for private gain.
Painter expressed that such practices would have been quickly vetoed during his tenure, emphasizing that the White House should not be run like a commercial venue with visible brand logos in exchange for financial contributions.
The White House Egg Roll is organized by the White House Historical Association, a private nonprofit, with the National Park Service raffling off free tickets for families. This year’s lottery winners were announced on March 18. No taxpayer funds support the event, which dates back to the 19th century, and any excess funds raised will benefit the Historical Association.
The White House press office deferred inquiries to the White House Historical Association, which declined to comment to Fortune. The event typically receives private sponsorship, including contributions from the American Egg Board, which donates both eggs and monetary support. The Egg Board expressed their pride in partnering with the White House and the White House Historical Association, maintaining nearly 50 years of tradition in supporting this annual event.
This article was initially published on Fortune.com.
