President Donald Trump has announced plans to remove a historic Southern Magnolia tree at the White House, citing safety concerns. The tree, believed to have been planted by former President Andrew Jackson nearly two centuries ago, will be preserved through repurposing its historic wood.
Historical significance
The Southern Magnolia stands near the curved portico on the south side of the White House, a ceremonial site used for welcoming foreign leaders and the president’s departure point for Marine One.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he was working with “the wonderful people at the National Park Service” to make “tremendous enhancements to the White House, thereby preserving and protecting history!”
Trump’s statement on the tree
Trump described the situation as “one of the interesting dilemmas” related to a tree planted by “the legendary President and General, Andrew Jackson.” He noted that the tree originated from Jackson’s home, The Hermitage, in Tennessee.
“That’s the good news!” Trump wrote. “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.”
He added, “The historic wood from the tree will be preserved by the White House staff and may be used for other high and noble purposes!”
Historical context
Andrew Jackson served as president from 1829 to 1837 and reportedly planted two Southern Magnolia trees near the White House in honor of his wife Rachel, who passed away in 1828.
However, according to the National Park Service (NPS), historical photographic documentation suggests that magnolias first appeared in this location near the South Portico in the 1860s. Despite this, the trees have long been attributed to President Jackson.
In 2006, the National Park Service designated the trees as Witness Trees, recognizing their presence during significant historical and cultural events.
Previous damage and maintenance
The base of the trees sustained damage during a Cessna airplane crash that targeted the White House in September 1994. Additionally, the trees underwent significant branch removal and pruning in December 2017.
During Trump’s first term in office, the tree was significantly pruned in 2017 due to safety concerns.
