President Trump and first lady Melania Trump hosted the White House Easter Egg Roll, an annual tradition, although this year’s celebration is being held only hours after Pope Francis died at age 88.

Mr. Trump honored the pope in brief remarks, calling him “a good man”. President said he ordered flags to be flown half-staff to honor the late pontiff.

Instead of candy-filled plastic Easter eggs, nearly 30,000 real eggs are adorning the White House South Lawn, despite record-high egg prices.

Mr. Trump on Monday complimented the National Park Service for decorating the White House lawn, calling it "beautiful and spiffy".

Much of this year`s egg roll event is sponsored by corporations, a change from the traditional sponsorship by the American Egg Board. The event has traditionally been sponsored by the American Egg Board, partly to keep company advertising off White House grounds.