PETA Urges White House to Replace Easter Eggs with Potatoes

Animal rights group proposes 'White House Potato Roll' to save chickens and cut costs

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:51pm

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Animal rights activists are calling on the White House and UK officials to replace traditional Easter egg-rolling festivities with decorated potatoes instead. PETA argues that swapping eggs for potatoes would spare hens from industrial farming while offering a more sustainable and less breakable alternative for kids. The group has pitched the idea of rebranding the annual White House Easter Egg Roll as a 'Make America Great Easter Potato Roll' complete with dyed spuds, sack races, and 'hot potato' games.

Why it matters

The push to replace eggs with potatoes at Easter events highlights growing concerns over animal welfare and the environmental impact of industrial agriculture. It also comes amid recent spikes in egg prices due to avian flu outbreaks, making potatoes a more affordable option for families. The proposal aims to modernize a beloved tradition while keeping the holiday spirit intact.

The details

PETA has written letters to both the White House and UK officials urging them to ditch traditional Easter eggs in favor of decorated potatoes at their annual egg-rolling festivities. The group argues that swapping eggs for potatoes would spare hens from industrial farming while offering a more sustainable and less breakable alternative for kids. In its letter to First Lady Melania Trump, PETA proposed rebranding the White House Easter Egg Roll as a 'Make America Great Easter Potato Roll' complete with dyed spuds, sack races, and 'hot potato' games.

  • The White House Easter Egg Roll is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • PETA sent its letter to First Lady Melania Trump in March 2026.

The players

PETA

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an animal rights organization that has proposed replacing Easter eggs with potatoes at government-hosted egg-rolling events.

Melania Trump

The First Lady of the United States, who PETA has urged to rebrand the White House Easter Egg Roll as a 'Make America Great Easter Potato Roll'.

Ingrid Newkirk

The president of PETA, who wrote the letter to Melania Trump proposing the potato-based Easter event.

Elisa Allen

The vice president of programs for PETA in the UK, who has made similar appeals to UK officials about replacing egg-rolling traditions with potato-rolling.

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What they’re saying

“Egg prices are through the roof, chickens are paying the price, and Americans are shell-shocked. A White House Potato Roll would be kinder, cheaper, a boost for potato farmers, and provide a smashing good time for kids — proof that Easter fun doesn't have to come at a hen's expense.”

— Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA

“Chickens are inquisitive, intelligent individuals who form complex social bonds. But Easter is far from a time of renewel of joy for them.”

— Elisa Allen, Vice President of Programs, PETA UK

What’s next

The White House has not indicated any plans to replace the traditional Easter Egg Roll with a 'Potato Roll' event, and the 2026 Easter Egg Roll remains on the congressional calendar for April 6.

The takeaway

PETA's proposal to swap Easter eggs for potatoes highlights the growing focus on animal welfare and sustainability, even when it comes to longstanding holiday traditions. While the White House has not signaled any intention to make the change, the idea of a 'Potato Roll' event offers a creative solution that could modernize the celebration while keeping the spirit of the holiday intact.