First Lady Melania Trump Unveils New Beehive on South Lawn, Expanding White House Honey Program.
Washington, D.C.:
First Lady Melania Trump announced the expansion of the White House honey program on Thursday with the installation of a newly constructed beehive on the South Lawn of the White House.
The handcrafted hive, designed in the likeness of the White House and built by a Virginia artisan, will house two additional bee colonies. These join two existing colonies already maintained on the grounds as part of the long-running White House beekeeping initiative.
According to the Office of the First Lady, the new installation is expected to increase annual honey production by approximately 30 pounds. The additional yield will be used in White House culinary preparations, included in official gifts presented by the President and First Lady, and donated to charitable food programs supporting local communities.
The expanded beekeeping operation will also continue to support pollination across key areas of the White House grounds, including the Kitchen Garden, the Flower Cutting Garden, and surrounding vegetation extending toward the National Mall.
Officials noted that the South Lawn hive will also serve an educational purpose, offering opportunities for visitors to observe an active bee colony and learn more about pollination and sustainable food production.
The White House beekeeping program began in 2009 and has since become a recognized tradition. During peak summer months, the existing colonies can grow to approximately 70,000 bees, producing between 200 and 225 pounds of honey annually. With the new addition, total production is projected to gradually increase to as much as 230–255 pounds per year.
White House honey is known for its light floral flavor profile, with notes of clover, basswood, and citrus, and is used in a variety of dishes prepared by the Executive Residence kitchen.
The expansion continues ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and educational programming on the White House grounds.
