Trump to Remove Historic Magnolia Tree at White House, Citing Safety Concerns
President Donald Trump has announced plans to remove a historic magnolia tree on the White House grounds, Fox News reports.
The tree, rumored to have been planted by former President Andrew Jackson, is reportedly in poor condition and poses a safety hazard.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump stated he was collaborating with “the wonderful people at the National Park Service” to make “tremendous enhancements to the White House, thereby preserving and protecting History!” He then addressed the fate of the magnolia tree, which he described as a “Southern Magnolia, that came from his home, The Hermitage, in Tennessee.”
“The bad news is that everything must come to an end, and this tree is in terrible condition, a very dangerous safety hazard, at the White House Entrance, no less, and must now be removed,” Trump wrote.
He assured that the tree will be replaced “by another, very beautiful tree.”
The President also noted that “The Historic wood from the tree will be preserved by the White House Staff, and may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!”
While traditionally attributed to President Jackson, who reportedly planted two magnolia trees near the White House in memory of his late wife Rachel, the National Park Service (NPS) has cast doubt on the historical accuracy of this claim.
According to the NPS website:
“Historical photographic documentation shows that magnolias first appeared at this location near the South Portico in the 1860s, still the trees are attributed to President Jackson.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding its origins, the NPS designated the trees as “Witness Trees” in 2006, recognizing their presence at “many significant historic and cultural events.” The agency also noted that the tree’s base sustained damage during a 1994 airplane crash targeting the White House and underwent significant pruning in 2017.
