Historic White House magnolia to be replaced for safety
President Donald Trump announced that the nearly 200-year-old tree at the White House would be removed for safety reasons. The southern magnolia, planted by President Andrew Jackson, will be replaced by a new tree.
What do 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 announced this decision, emphasizing that the tree poses a safety threat.
- Why is the tree important? The tree was planted by the 7th President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, to commemorate his wife Rachel.
- What's next? A new tree will be planted in place of the removed one. Trump 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 by the White House is in a dire state and presents a serious safety threat. The tree, which is nearly 200 years old, will be removed next week. Trump emphasized that this decision is necessary, even though the tree holds significant historical value.
The magnolia was planted by President Andrew Jackson, who brought the sapling from his estate in Tennessee. The tree was meant 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 in place of the removed magnolia. Trump assured that it would be a very beautiful tree, worthy of replacing the historic magnolia. On his social media platform, Truth Social, the President also suggested that the wood from the removed tree "could be used for other high and noble purposes."
The southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) grows near the south wing of the White House, where foreign leaders are often welcomed. From there, American presidents also board the Marine One helicopter.
