Trump, First Lady Host Annual White House Bipartisan Congressional Picnic 

WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed hundreds of congressmembers and their families to the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday.

The bipartisan annual tradition began in its current form in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson expanded the Democratic Party gatherings that had originated with President Harry Truman in 1945.

Trump celebrated the lawmakers in attendance and emphasized the role they play in protecting the nation.

“It will be something very special to remember that all of us here tonight continue a priceless tradition,” he said while addressing the crowd from the Truman Balcony. “We represent the oldest and most extraordinary constitutional republic on the face of the earth, and a special privilege and the unique responsibility it is.”

The president also honored the lawmakers’ families “who make enormous sacrifices so that their loved ones can serve, so that their loved ones can get beat up by the fake news, so that their loved ones can also beat up the enemy.”

He interjected humor throughout his speech, telling jokes about the flag poles he had installed and the bargain he negotiated: “Two for the price of one.”

Guests were treated to a picnic buffet, Blue Bell ice cream, games, and live music, including performances by the U.S. Marine Corps Band.

Sweltering heat became too intense for a few in the crowd, and one gentleman was removed during the president’s address, but emergency responders swiftly treated those affected with electrolytes and water.

The Epoch Times witnessed lawmakers from both sides of the aisle enjoying the camaraderie, taking pictures, and sharing stories on the South Lawn. For one evening, the hyper-divisive partisan politics the nation’s capital is known for was set aside.

Trump thanked the legislators for coming “together, on a bipartisan basis,” to pass the Laken Riley Act, which expands mandatory detentions for illegal immigrants convicted of violent crimes; the Genius Act, establishing regulatory framework for stablecoins; and the Take It Down Act, making it a federal crime to publish explicit images in revenge, including digitally altered and artificially created material.

Senior administration officials in attendance included Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, among others.

The first lady noted the importance of collaborative leadership and said the evening was a reflection of peace and togetherness.

“This great American social tradition reminds us that some fun and laughter with our families can bring unity, especially with our children and loved ones by our side,” she said. “I have seen firsthand how much can be accomplished when Republicans and Democrats come together with a shared purpose, particularly for the betterment of our children.”

She also announced the passage of the Fostering the Future Act, thanking the House of Representatives “for voting unanimously to lift America’s foster children above partisan politics.”

“Senators, we have momentum. Now, it’s your turn to bring the Fostering the Future Act across the finish line. Let’s support our next generation and swiftly get this to the president for his signature.”

The act codifies an executive order signed by the president last November, meant to improve access to housing and education for foster youth, and dovetails with the first lady’s Fostering the Future initiative.

While unity was in the air at the White House, both parties were battling it out in primary elections across the country. Attendees were seen checking early election results and chatting about prospects as the evening wore on, a sign that politics in Washington never rests, it just pauses occasionally for a picnic.