President Donald Trump planted a 12-year-old ‘MAGAlonia’ sapling at the White House, replacing the historic Jackson Magnolia, which was recently removed due to safety concerns. Using a golden shovel for the ceremonial planting, Trump declared, “We have a beautiful tree now at the White House.”
The new sapling, now standing near the South Portico, is a direct descendant of the original Jackson Magnolia. It was cultivated by the National Park Service at its greenhouse in anticipation of the eventual decline of the parent tree. The agency, which manages the White House grounds, had prepared for this transition as part of its preservation efforts.
Historical tree preserved in pieces
Though the original Jackson Magnolia has been removed, it will not be forgotten. The White House Office of the Curator will preserve its remnants as part of the site’s historical collection. Officials confirmed that the remains of the tree will be honored, ensuring its legacy continues in some form.
Media access to the planting ceremony was restricted. However, the White House later shared a short video clip of the moment.
The Jackson Magnolia had long stood near the west side of the South Portico—the entrance where visiting world leaders are welcomed and where U.S. presidents typically walk to board Marine One. On March 30, Trump ordered the tree’s removal, citing its poor condition and safety concerns.
Peter Hart, a consulting arborist and member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, was consulted before the decision. He stated that the tree had “surpassed the time of serving as an aesthetic and historic landmark” and posed risks due to the likelihood of structural failure.
The Jackson Magnolia’s origins and symbolism
The Jackson Magnolia is believed to have been planted by President Andrew Jackson in 1829. According to historical accounts, Jackson brought seeds from his home in Tennessee, The Hermitage, and planted them in memory of his late wife, Rachel, who died just weeks before his inauguration.
Still, there is no definitive confirmation that Jackson personally planted the specific tree that was removed. Historical photographs suggest that magnolias did not appear at the South Portico until the 1860s. Despite this, the tree remained a symbol of presidential history for nearly two centuries.
A tree that witnessed American history—including a crash
In 2006, the Jackson Magnolia trees were designated “Witness Trees” by the National Park Service, a title reserved for trees present during significant historical events. Among those events was an infamous incident in 1994.
On September 11 of that year, Frank Eugene Corder—a truck driver—stole a Cessna 150 airplane while heavily intoxicated. His goal was to crash into the White House. In the early hours of September 12, he missed his target and instead hit the South Lawn, crashing into the magnolia trees. Corder died on impact.
A quiet farewell to an American landmark
Though the original Jackson Magnolia has now been replaced, its legacy—marked by presidential traditions, national ceremonies, and even near-tragedies—remains rooted in American history. With its direct descendant now taking its place, the White House looks to honor both the past and the future of this iconic tree.
