A Southern Magnolia tree planted nearly two centuries ago by President Andrew Jackson at the White House is slated for removal next week due to safety concerns, President Donald Trump announced.
According to the New York Post, in a bid to ensure safety, the historic White House Magnolia tree will soon be replaced with another tree, while preserving its wood.
The magnolia, a symbol of Southern heritage and historical continuity, has been a notable fixture at the entrance of the White House. Planted during the tenure of Andrew Jackson, the tree was viewed as a living monument to his late wife, Rachel, reflecting the seeds brought from their Tennessee home.
At 78, President Trump expressed on social media that the magnolia was in "terrible condition" and posed a "very dangerous safety hazard" at a critical location. This statement underscores the seriousness of the tree's structural instability.
The decision to remove the tree was shaped by these safety concerns, emphasizing the risk it posed to the iconic residence and its visitors. Trump assured the public that the removal process would be handled with care, planning to replace the tree with an equally "very beautiful tree."
The White House staff plans to preserve the historic wood from the magnolia, with President Trump noting its potential for "high and noble purposes." This approach reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the historical integrity of the White House.
Throughout his tenure, Trump has often highlighted his admiration for Andrew Jackson, whom he regards as a populist leader similar to himself. This respect is visually signified by a portrait of Jackson that hangs in the Oval Office and is further evident in Trump’s extensive reading about him.
Designated as a Witness Tree by the National Park Service, the magnolia has silently observed many historical moments unfolding at the White House. Despite doubts about whether Jackson actually planted this tree, it has undeniably been part of the landscape since at least the 1860s. The tree’s survival was previously threatened in 1994 when a Cessna plane crash severely damaged its base. Efforts to salvage it included extensive pruning and branch removal in December 2017, during the early days of Trump's first term.
In a statement, Trump emphasized a collaborative effort with "a fantastic and very talented Executive Residence Staff, along with the wonderful people at the National Park Service," to enhance the White House. He noted that these efforts are focused on "preserving and protecting History." The replacement of the magnolia is not just a practical measure for safety, but also forms part of larger restoration and preservation efforts under the Trump administration at the historic site.
Trump has previously spoken warmly of Jackson, saying to the Washington Examiner in 2017, “I mean, had Andrew Jackson been a little later, you wouldn’t have had the Civil War. He was a very tough person, but he had a big heart.” He believes Jackson’s sentiments during his time are reflective of unifying leadership.
This historical parallel draws a poignant line under Trump’s presidency, where the maintenance and conservation of the White House, and by extension America’s historical landmarks, take on a personal dimension mirroring his political ideology.
Finally, as the Trump administration prepares for the magnolia's removal, the focus remains sharply on ensuring the safety of White House occupants and visitors without compromising the estate's historical essence.
The upcoming week will see the removal of a treasured historical icon, yet also the beginning of a new phase in the life of the White House grounds, as a new tree takes its place, promising continuity and renewal.
As stated by Trump, the process of replacing and preserving touchstones such as the magnolia tree underscores a deeper respect and responsibility towards American history, one that transcends administrations and eras.