White House Beehive

The White House beekeeping program officially began in 2009 after White House Carpenter, Charlie Brandts, started beekeeping as a hobby on the complex a few years prior. Beekeeping has since become a lasting tradition on the South Grounds. During peak summer months, the existing two hive populations can reach approximately 70,000 bees, driving production up to 200-225 pounds of honey in a productive year.

The proximity of the beehive to the Kitchen Garden provides the bees with fruits and vegetables to pollinate. Their efforts are far-reaching and include the pollination of the large variety of trees and flowers on the White House South Grounds, such as the large holly, which gives the White House honey its unique light flavor of clover and basswood with subtle hints of citrus. Flowering plants and food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce. The White House bees cultivate the environment on the White House Grounds, the National Mall, and beyond.

First Lady Melania Trump expanded the White House honey program in 2026. The newly expanded beehive was designed by the Executive Residence staff and was hand-crafted by a local Virginia artisan in the shape of the White House. It hosts two additional bee colonies, increasing annual honey production by an estimated 30 pounds.

Presently, the beehive at the White House is managed by the White House Executive Residence pastry and grounds staff. The harvested honey is used by Executive Residence chefs to sweeten teas, prepare salad dressings, and craft desserts.