A proposal for corporate sponsorship of the annual White House Easter Egg Roll has emerged, allowing businesses to advertise during the event and enjoy a private White House tour in exchange for sizable donations. This initiative is receiving criticism, with some labeling it “absurdly corrupt.”
The proposal offers distinct sponsorship tiers, with a platinum-level donation of $200,000 granting a range of benefits. These include four tickets to a brunch hosted by Melania Trump, a substantial onsite booth, branded snacks or souvenirs, naming rights for certain event areas, recognition in the program or social media mentions, and an opportunity to engage with the White House Press Corps on the South Lawn, according to the pitch deck highlighted by The New York Times.
The deck, titled “Sponsorship opportunities,” states that sponsors can engage with diverse audiences, demonstrate a commitment to community and education, and align with a cherished American tradition. Besides the platinum level, there are also gold and silver packages priced at $125,000 and $75,000, respectively.
This promotional material was developed by Harbinger, an event company known for organizing the 2021 March for Our Lives and a media day for Uber’s autonomous driving initiatives, as per its website.
Following a Tesla exhibition on the South Lawn, the solicitation document has incited controversy from critics who argue it contravenes established ethics rules. Donald Sherman, chief counsel of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, expressed concern that the pitch suggests a financial exchange for White House promotion, potentially violating federal regulations prohibiting public office for private gain.
Sherman pointed out that although the White House Easter Egg Roll has historically been sponsored by corporations, the detailed monetary figures and specific promotional packages outlined in the pitch deck represent a new and contentious approach.
Richard Painter, a law professor and former White House ethics lawyer under George W. Bush, expressed his disapproval, stating that the document would have been immediately dismissed in prior administrations.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is organized by the White House Historical Association, in partnership with the National Park Service, which distributes free tickets via a lottery system. The event is funded privately, without taxpayer money, and any additional funds raised go to the Historical Association. The White House press office referred all comments to the White House Historical Association, which has not yet responded.
For nearly half a century, the event has benefited from private sponsorship, with significant contributions from the American Egg Board, which donates eggs and financial support. The Egg Board affirmed their commitment to maintaining their long-standing partnership with the White House and the Historical Association.
This article was initially published on Fortune.com.
