That time Sean Spicer was the White House Easter Bunny

Deena Zaru
By Deena Zaru, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 1:14 PM EST, Fri March 3, 2017
The Easter Bunny waves from behind U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday, April 1. The annual event features live music, sports courts, cooking stations, storytelling and, of course, Easter egg rolling.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
The Easter Bunny waves from behind U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on Monday, April 1. The annual event features live music, sports courts, cooking stations, storytelling and, of course, Easter egg rolling.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
Children roll eggs on the South Lawn.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Children roll eggs on the South Lawn.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
First lady Michelle Obama speaks as her family, Sasha, left, President Barack Obama, and Malia listen at the start of the annual event.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
First lady Michelle Obama speaks as her family, Sasha, left, President Barack Obama, and Malia listen at the start of the annual event.
MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
Two girls look at their competitors in the race.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Two girls look at their competitors in the race.
Brian Yaklyvich/CNN
Barack and Michelle Obama cheer on children participating in the egg roll race.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Barack and Michelle Obama cheer on children participating in the egg roll race.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
People watch as President Obama reads a book to children during the event.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
People watch as President Obama reads a book to children during the event.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Obama sits with his dog Bo and reads a book to children.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Obama sits with his dog Bo and reads a book to children.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Obama greets guests.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Obama greets guests.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
Children have their picture taken at a mock presidential podium.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Children have their picture taken at a mock presidential podium.
NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
A woman helps young children in the race.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
A woman helps young children in the race.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
Obama talks to crying 5-year-old Donaivan Frazier during the egg roll.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Obama talks to crying 5-year-old Donaivan Frazier during the egg roll.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Obama gives Donaivan a hug.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Obama gives Donaivan a hug.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
Michelle Obama watches chef Anne Burrell cook.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Michelle Obama watches chef Anne Burrell cook.
NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
Obama plays tennis with children.
Eggs roll on White House lawn —
Obama plays tennis with children.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images
People enjoy the festivities at the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Photos: Eggs roll on White House lawn —
People enjoy the festivities at the White House Easter Egg Roll.
Brian Yaklyvich/CNN
Photos: Eggs roll on White House lawn

Story highlights

The Trump White House will host its first Easter Egg Roll this year

The White House tradition dates back to the early 19th century

Washington CNN  — 

Press secretary wasn’t Sean Spicer’s first White House job.

During George W. Bush’s presidency, he took on the role of the Easter Bunny to entertain children at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

Photos of Spicer wearing the fluffy, white costume resurfaced on social media this week as the Christian observance of Lent begins.

Spicer served as assistant United States trade representative for media and public affairs in the Bush administration.

In about six weeks, President Donald Trump’s White House will host their first Easter Egg Roll, complete with games, egg hunts and the highly anticipated bunny.

Former first lady Pat Nixon first introduced the White House Easter Bunny in 1968, and since then, several administration officials have done the honors of donning the bunny suit.

Bush embraces a person dressed as the Easter bunny during the annual Easter Egg Roll on March 24, 2008.
Bush embraces a person dressed as the Easter bunny during the annual Easter Egg Roll on March 24, 2008.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama both participated in the tradition, reading stories and playing games with children on the South Lawn of the White House.

During Obama’s first year in office, an Internet lottery for tickets was held so that children from around the country could attend the event. More than 4,000 schoolchildren took part in the celebration.

Easter Egg Roll at White House Fast Facts

The White House Easter Egg Roll has been held every Monday after Easter on the South Lawn except during World War I and World War II, when it was held at other locations.

Former first lady Dolly Madison organized the first Easter Egg Roll sometime during the presidency of her husband, James Madison, in the early 19th century.