First Lady Melania Trump Unveils New Beehive on South Lawn

First Lady Melania Trump has announced a significant expansion of the White House beekeeping program, doubling the number of colonies on the South Lawn to support local ecology, White House culinary needs, and charitable efforts.Here are the key details of the expansion:Design: The new hive was designed by White House staff and hand-crafted by a Virginia artisan to resemble the White House itself.Capacity: The addition brings two new colonies to the South Lawn, joining two existing ones for a total of four colonies.Output: The expansion is expected to increase annual honey production by approximately 30 pounds, bringing the total peak production to an estimated 230–255 pounds per year.The honey—known for its clover, basswood, and subtle citrus flavor—is utilized in three primary ways:Culinary: Executive Residence chefs use it for teas, dressings, and desserts.Diplomacy: It serves as an official gift from the President and First Lady.Charity: Surplus honey is donated as part of healthy food initiatives to local food kitchens.Pollination: The bees support the White House Kitchen Garden, the Flower Cutting Garden, and vegetation across the National Mall.Education: The hive will serve as an educational feature, allowing visitors to the South Lawn to learn about pollination and food production firsthand.The beekeeping tradition at the White House officially began in 2009. This latest expansion was funded through the Trust for the National Mall and is supported by White House Chief Horticulturist Dale Haney and local apiarists. The move continues a legacy of environmental stewardship on the White House grounds, integrating the bees into the broader "Fostering the Future Together" and "BE BEST" frameworks of child health and education.The New Hive and Production IncreaseUses for White House HoneyEcological and Educational ImpactProgram History and Support