Melania Trump Announces White House Easter Egg Roll Is Canceled
Mar 16, 2020, 9:30 AM | Updated: 9:34 am
President Donald Trump speaks as first lady Melania Trump listens during the 141st Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House April 22, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The White House Easter Egg roll, a spring tradition that dates back to at least 1878, has been canceled.
First Lady Melania Trump released a statement Monday saying that the event would not happen this year in accordance with the National Emergency Declaration concerning COVID-19.
“The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now,” Trump said in the statement. “I deeply regret this cancelation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short term to ensure a healthy country for the long term.”
“During this time, I encourage everyone to listen to state and local officials, and follow CDC guidelines in order to help protect the health and well-being of everyone,” she added.
This is just the latest high-profile national event to be canceled due to coronavirus concerns. The NBA put its season on hold after two Utah Jazz players tested positive for the virus, and the NCAAA March Madness was put on hold. The Coachella music festival was postponed, and Austin’s South by Southwest was canceled for 2020.
Tentpole movie releases were also pushed back, including the James Bond film “No Time to Die,” Disney’s live-action “Mulan,” and horror sequel “A Quiet Place 2.”
