The White House is cutting down on history
US President Donald Trump has announced that a nearly 200-year-old tree at the White House will be removed for safety reasons. The southern magnolia, originally planted by President Andrew Jackson, will be replaced with a new tree.
What you need to know
- What will happen to the tree? The nearly 200-year-old southern magnolia will be removed from the White House grounds next week. President Donald Trump has announced the decision, emphasising that the tree poses a safety hazard.
- Why is the tree important? The tree was planted by the 7th US President, Andrew Jackson, to commemorate his wife Rachel.
- What's next? A new tree will be planted to replace the removed one. Trump has suggested that the wood from the magnolia could be used for noble purposes.
Why will the magnolia be removed?
President Donald Trump stated that the southern magnolia growing at the White House is in a poor state and poses a significant safety risk. The tree, which is nearly 200 years old, will be removed next week. Trump emphasised that this decision, though necessary, is being made despite the tree's substantial historical value.
The magnolia was planted by President Andrew Jackson, who brought the seedling from his estate in Tennessee. The tree was intended to commemorate his wife Rachel, who died shortly before his inauguration in 1829.
What will replace the historic tree?
A new tree will be planted to replace the magnolia that was removed. Trump has assured it will be a beautiful tree, fittingly replacing the historic magnolia. On his social media platform, Truth Social, the US President also suggested: "The White House Staff will preserve the Historic wood from the tree and may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!"
The southern magnolia (magnolia grandiflora) grows near the south of wing of the White House, where foreign leaders are often greeted and American presidents depart for the Marine One helicopter.
