Thousands of bees swarmed the White House North Lawn on Friday afternoon, clustering near the press area before settling into a tree. The incident occurred weeks after First Lady Melania Trump introduced two new bee colonies, expanding the existing program that began in 2009. A replica beehive was also unveiled on the South Lawn, drawing attention during King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s state visit, both of whom support beekeeping.

The White House beekeeping initiative, funded by the Trust for the National Mall, aims to support pollination across the White House gardens and the National Mall. The expanded colonies are expected to boost honey production by 30 pounds annually, with current output reaching up to 225 pounds in peak season. Honey is used in state dinners, official gifts, and donations to local food kitchens.

It remains unclear whether the bees mistook the mansion for their new hive, though officials confirmed the swarm posed no threat. The program, once a carpenter’s hobby, has become a lasting tradition, symbolizing the administration’s focus on sustainability and healthy food initiatives.