'Pathway to corruption': CNN panel hammers Trump's Easter egg roll scheme

CNN reported over the weekend that President Donald Trump's White House is seeking corporate sponsorships for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, and a panel on the network Monday ripped the president for commercializing an American tradition that dates back nearly 150 years.

CNN's Stephen Collinson called the move totally unprecedented and said it was yet another example of Trump's White House completely blowing off ethics rules.

"The concept of White House ethics seems to have been completely swept away by this administration," he said. "I guess the problem here is that companies are paying for access to a White House event, and even to officials and potentially the first lady, according to our reporting. That seems to be a pathway to corruption."

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Conservative Jonah Goldberg said that the notion of corporate sponsorships was part of a longstanding pattern for Trump.

"He likes systems where your business deals are improved if you get a seat next to him at a dinner, that kind of thing," he explained.

According to CNN's reporting, the White House is offering corporate Easter Egg Roll sponsors a number of potential perks including “Naming rights for key areas or elements,” “Sponsor logos featured on event signage,” “Custom-branded baskets, snacks/beverages, or souvenirs,” “Mentions in official event communications and social media posts,” “Acknowledgment in printed or digital event programs,” and “Inclusion in press releases and media interviews.”

Sponsors can also win an “invite-only brunch hosted inside the White House by FLOTUS,” as well as private White House tours.

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