Donald Trump to remove iconic Magnolia tree from the White House that was planted by former president Andrew Jackson to honor his late wife Rachel

One of the most iconic trees at the White House is to be cut down. US President Donald Trump has planned to take down the historic Southern Magnolia tree at the White House, which was said to have been planted by Andrew Jackson, as per reports.

The tree, which has lasted for generations, will be replaced by another one.

The wood will be saved for historical use, but the decision has received varied reactions. Folklore states that Andrew Jackson planted two trees in memory of his late wife, Rachel.

Why is the magnolia tree being removed?

Donald Trump claimed to be collaborating with "the wonderful people at the National Park Service" to make "tremendous enhancements to the White House, thereby preserving and protecting history!" in a Truth Social post on Sunday, as quoted in a report by Fox News.

"One of the interesting dilemmas is a tree planted many years ago by the legendary President and General, Andrew Jackson," Trump said.

“It's a Southern Magnolia, and it came from his Tennessee home, The Hermitage. There's good news!” The bad news is that everything has to end, and this tree requires removal because it is in terrible shape and poses a serious safety risk, at the White House Entrance, no less," he added.

In his letter, Donald Trump stated that the historic tree will be felled in the next few days and replaced "by another, very beautiful tree."

What will happen to the historic wood?

"The historic wood from the tree will be preserved by the White House staff and may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!" the president said.

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Did Andrew Jackson really plant the tree?

Jackson, who served as president from 1829 to 1837, is said to have planted two magnolia trees near the White House in honor of his wife Rachel, who died in 1828. According to the National Park Service's (NPS) website, the relationship between the trees and Old Hickory is debatable.

"Historical photographic documentation shows that magnolias first appeared at this location near the South Portico in the 1860s, still the trees are attributed to President Jackson," the authorities stated.

The trees witnessed numerous "significant historic and cultural events," according to the National Park Service, which designated them as Witness Trees in 2006.

Besides, the base of the trees sustained severe damage in a September 1994 Cessna plane crash that targeted the White House, and in December 2017, they underwent extensive branch removal and pruning.

How did social media users react?

Social media users' responses to Donald Trump's announcement were initially divided, with the majority of his supporters applauding the choice.

A user wrote, "I am a tree expert by trade, I have worked with trees for three decades now… these magnolia trees have notoriously soft wood that can become dry and brittle with age," as quoted in a report by Fox News.

FAQs

Why is Donald Trump removing the magnolia tree?
Donald Trump claims the tree is in poor condition and poses a safety risk at the White House entrance.

Will the magnolia tree be replaced?
Yes, Donald Trump confirmed that a new tree will be planted in its place, with the original tree's wood being preserved.