“The health and safety of all Americans must be the first priority, especially right now,” Trump said in a written statement. “I deeply regret this cancellation, but we need to make difficult decisions in the short-term to ensure a healthy country for the long-term.”
The statement from Trump’s office said the decision was made out of an abundance of caution and “in accordance with the National Emergency Declaration concerning the COVID-19.”
It is also one of the longest-lasting traditions, having been formally established by President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1878. It has only been canceled a handful of times, including during World Wars I and II, and during a massive White House renovation from 1948-1952.
Each year the White House Historical Association sells official wooden eggs to commemorate the event. The design and color choice of the eggs, which feature the signatures of President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, is overseen by the first lady. A spokesperson for the White House Historical Association tells CNN the eggs will remain on sale via the association’s website, as the shop in the White House Visitor Center is closed.
Source : CNN