First Lady Melania Trump has expanded the White House’s beekeeping program with the addition of a miniature White House-shaped hive and two new honeybee colonies. The announcement, made on April 24, marks a significant upgrade to the existing apiary, which was formalized in 2009 under former White House carpenter Charlie Brandt. The new hive, designed by Executive Residence staff and handcrafted by a Virginia artisan, is expected to increase honey production by 30 pounds annually, bringing the total yield to 230 to 255 pounds per year. The colonies will also support pollination for the White House Kitchen Garden, Flower Cutting Garden, and nearby vegetation on the National Mall.
The expansion doubles the South Lawn’s apiary workforce, with the new colonies joining two existing ones. At peak summer capacity, the hives can house up to 70,000 bees. The White House has also introduced elegantly labeled jars of 'White House Honey' as part of the program’s branding.
The beekeeping initiative, while officially formalized in 2009, has seen continued growth under subsequent administrations. The new hive’s design and the addition of colonies reflect a broader effort to enhance sustainability and educational outreach on the White House grounds.