WASHINGTON — With a patriotic design to honor the 250th anniversary of the United States, the tradition of presenting the First Lady with a special artist designed Easter egg continued its nearly five-decade tradition with today’s unveiling ceremony with First Lady Melania Trump at the White House.
The American Egg Board presented Melania Trump with the 49th annual Commemorative Egg during the 2026 White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday, Aug. 6.
“It is a privilege and a joy for America’s egg farmers to continue this nearly 50-year tradition celebrating our nation’s First Ladies,” Emily Metz, AEB president and CEO, said. “We are thrilled to present the 2026 First Lady’s Commemorative Egg to Melania Trump at the White House Easter Egg Roll, honoring her patriotism and leadership as America’s First Lady — especially as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.”
“Eggs are the cornerstone of spring celebrations, and America’s egg farmers are proud of the egg’s prominent place in our traditions and in our everyday lives,” Metz added.
Mark Malachowski, a master egg artist based in Berea, Ohio, designed this year’s commemorative egg using a traditional, intricate wax resist method technique. To note America’s 250th anniversary, the patriotic design incorporates the years “1776” and “2026” in the pattern, with one side featuring an American eagle and the other depicting the Betsy Ross American flag design.
This year marks the sixth time a commemorative egg has been presented to Melania Trump. Previous year’s designs have used the themes of “Be Best” and “Foster the Future,” which honored some of her personal initiatives.
Easter Egg Roll
Also on Easter Monday, America’s egg farmers sponsored the annual and traditional White House Easter Egg Roll. This year approximately 40,000 hand-dyed, plain and hard-boiled eggs were featured on the White House’s South Lawn for egg hunts, as well as the Egg Roll race.
“America’s egg farmers are immensely proud to be part of this treasured tradition each year,” Metz added. “As a legacy partner of the White House Easter Egg Roll, we’re honored that real eggs are a centerpiece of this iconic celebration on the South Lawn and in homes across America.
“During the Easter season alone, Americans decorate and enjoy nearly 3 billion eggs, making them an essential part of the foods, traditions and memories we cherish each spring.”
