Brought to by........ The Corporations that want to kill you...

White House South Lawn features big tech branding at Egg Roll

From CNN's Betsy Klein

This year’s White House Easter Egg Roll is brought to you by big tech.

While the event has long had corporate sponsors, this year marks the first time that there has been outward branding and logos on event signage, which according to legal and ethics experts goes against long-established regulations prohibiting the use of public office for private gain.

Reporters at the Egg Roll are kept in a pen far from some of the branded activities. But CNN observed unprecedented logos across the South Lawn – from the YouTube stage to the Meta photo opportunity to the Amazon reading nook – featuring the logos of big businesses, some more subtle than others.

Last month, CNN first reported on a pitch document circulated to potential sponsors from an outside event production company called Harbinger promising logo and branding opportunities ranging from $75,000 to $200,000.

Among the promises, according to that document: “naming rights for key areas or elements,” “sponsor logos featured on event signage,” “custom-branded baskets, snacks/beverages, or souvenirs,” and “mentions in official event communications and social media posts.”

All funding raised by Harbinger will go to the White House Historical Association, and any leftover money will support other events on the White House South Lawn, including Halloween and Fourth of July festivities.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the move Monday, saying there have “always” been corporate sponsors at the event and cast blame on media.