History’s Jackson Magnolia tree will be extracted from the White House grounds for safety reasons because President Andrew Jackson planted it around two centuries ago. The President affirmed this decision, stating that the wood would be stored for future special uses.
The White House plans to remove its historic 200-year-old Magnolia Tree for safety reasons at the South Lawn base.
A majestic magnolia tree has watched the White House South Lawn for about 200 years since President Andrew Jackson planted it. Time will eliminate the historic Jackson Magnolia from its White House grounds.
Through a Truth Social announcement, President Donald Trump declared that this White House entrance-accessed tree, used since 1820, must be removed because of safety hazards.
A Tough Goodbye to a Historic Landmark
The White House grounds have transformed, yet the Jackson Magnolia tree remains a permanent fixture of its grounds. According to popular belief, President Jackson selected the tree for his deceased wife before Rachel passed away in 1829.
The National Park Service reports through its folklore research that Jackson planted the magnolia trees that would become famous, and he acquired the seeds from his Tennessee home at the Hermitage.
Time has certainly been rough. The tree has experienced extensive damage, including heavy pruning in 2017 and weakening over the years. In 1994, a small plane tried to crash into the White House and struck it.
Despite all this, the efforts to keep it safe have been much degraded-until now, unsafe.
Trump’s Comment on its Removal
While making his announcement, Trump acknowledged that Jackson Magnolia had an emotional connection but noted that safety needed to come first.
Bad news is that everything must come to an end; unfortunately, this tree is in poor condition and poses a great safety risk at the White House Entrance, of all places, and must now be taken out,” Trump posted. “Next week, it will be so done; a new one, a very beautiful one, will replace it.
The president further promised that the wood of the tree was not going to be wasted, as it would be used for “other high and noble purposes.” Although no proper plans have been made known, it is speculated that the chunks may be included in the White House collection, or reused and made into some memorial objects.
What Comes Next?
The end of an era has been reached with the cutting down of the Jackson Magnolia, but soon another tree will be planted. The White House has not yet stated which species will be planted, but care will be taken as its history and symbolism can be seen.
