An 11-year-old boy is making headlines today after he mowed the White House lawn. The task, typically overseen by the National Park Service, was given to Frank Giaccio after he wrote to the President and asked for the opportunity to take on the responsibility. President Trump was impressed, and agreed.
“Dear Mr. President,” Giaccio wrote.
“It would be my honor to mow the White House lawn for some weekend for you. Even though I’m only 10, I’d like to show the nation what young people like me are ready for.”
.@POTUS and Frank in the White House Rose Garden. pic.twitter.com/9Dp14ELxB1
— Carolina Hurley (@CLH45) September 15, 2017
“I admire your business background and have started my own business. I have been mowing my neighbors’ lawns for some time—please see the attached flier.”
“Here’s a list of what I have, and you’re free to pick whatever you want: power mower, push mower, and weed whacker. I can bring extra fuel for the power mower and charged batteries for the weed whacker.
“Sincerely, Frank”
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced that “Frank from Falls Church, Virginia” would be helping with the yard work.
Frank is hard at work in the Rose Garden and doing a great job! pic.twitter.com/u4f2DtLvu6
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) September 15, 2017
“Frank is hard at work in the Rose Garden and doing a great job!” she tweeted.
He typically charges $8.00 to mow lawns, but this one is a bit larger. Still, after encouragement from his father, he decided to waive his typical fees.
As he was cutting the grass, the President made an appearance on the lawn.
After mowing the @WhiteHouse Rose Garden lawn – Frank and his father Greg Giaccio visit @POTUS @realDonaldTrump in the Oval Office…. pic.twitter.com/cy6ETme1jf
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@Scavino45) September 15, 2017
When he’d finished, Frank and his father were invited into the Oval Office to meet and talk with the President.
The decision to waive the usual $8.00 fee may seem like a bad business investment for some 11-year-olds, but Frank seems to realize the benefit of good press. The photo ops alone will make future lawn-mowing fliers much more compelling. And the President seems to have enjoyed the moment, too.