US is ‘on track’, Trump tells egg rollers
"We will be stronger and bigger and better as a nation than ever before." Donald Trump
UNITED STATES: US President Trump marked his first White House Easter Egg Roll yesterday by defending his record in office.
‘‘We will be stronger and bigger and better as a nation than ever before, and we are right on track,’’ Trump said from the presidential mansion’s South Portico balcony, though he did not provide specifics, in brief remarks ahead of the annual Easter festivities, which date back to 1878.
Later, while greeting members of the crowd, Trump responded to a question about his message for North Korea in light of last weekend’s failed missile test. ’’They have to behave,’’ he said.
In hosting the egg roll - blowing a whistle to start the races, and standing at attention for the national anthem beside a performer dressed as the Easter Bunny - Trump fulfilled one of the first ceremonial duties of his young tenure as president, as did First Lady Melania Trump. In her own brief remarks to the revellers, she thanked US military personnel ’’who are keeping us safe’’ around the globe.
The Trumps hosted a scaleddown version of the event. The White House expected more than 21,000 children and adults to attend the Easter Egg Roll, down from the 35,000 last year.
After his remarks, the president signed greeting cards for soldiers stationed overseas, autographed at least one children’s book, and shook hands with members of the crowd. His wife, meanwhile, read a story called Party Animals to children. ‘‘It shows we are all different but we are all the same,’’ she said.
- USA Today