Trump Announces Plan to Chop Down Historic Magnolia Tree: 'Must Come to an End'

President Donald Trump has announced plans to remove a magnolia tree reportedly planted by President Andrew Jackson. The historic Southern Magnolia, which has stood near the White House for years, is now slated for removal due to its deteriorating condition.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed that he is collaborating with the National Park Service to make what he described as "tremendous enhancements to the White House, thereby preserving and protecting History!" He referred to the tree as a "dangerous safety hazard" and stated that its removal was necessary, particularly given its location near the White House entrance.

Trump explained that the tree, which allegedly originated from Jackson's Tennessee home, The Hermitage, is in "terrible condition." While acknowledging its historical significance, he stressed that "everything must come to an end." The tree will soon be replaced with what Trump described as "another, very beautiful tree." He also assured that the historic wood from the magnolia would be preserved for "high and noble purposes."

Andrew Jackson, who served as president from 1829 to 1837, is said to have planted the magnolias in honor of his wife, Rachel, who passed away in 1828. However, the National Park Service notes that the connection between these trees and Jackson is debatable. According to the agency, photographic evidence shows magnolias appearing in the area only in the 1860s, though they are still often attributed to Jackson.

The trees, designated as "Witness Trees" by the National Park Service in 2006, have stood through numerous historic events. Their base even withstood the impact of a Cessna airplane crash targeting the White House in 1994 and underwent significant pruning in 2017. Despite their resilience, experts now highlight the risks associated with their aging condition, with one tree expert noting that magnolias are prone to brittle wood as they age.

Public reaction to Trump's announcement has been predictably polarized. Supporters praised the decision as a necessary safety precaution, while critics accused the former president of attempting to "rewrite or destroy history." One online commenter jested that the removal of the tree would spark outrage akin to "WW3." Meanwhile, another remarked that the tree is "much more important than Trump will EVER be."