A major change is coming to the White House entrance, marking the end of a historic feature that has stood for over a century.
Since its construction in 1792, the White House has been a symbol of the American people, with its architecture and surroundings carefully preserved through generations. However, former President Donald Trump has announced plans to alter a significant aspect of the estate—one that has been a staple of the residence since the 1800s.
This change will mark a rare modification to the home of every U.S. president since John Adams, as even George Washington—who oversaw its initial design—never lived to see its completion.
Close up of the White House entrance that will no longer look the way it does here as of next week (Getty stock)
A historic White House feature dating back nearly 200 years is set to be removed under orders from former President Donald Trump.
The southern magnolia tree, believed to have been planted in the 1800s by the seventh U.S. president, Andrew Jackson—who served from 1829 to 1837—is scheduled to be cut down.
Trump, 78, announced the decision on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating:
“Working together with a fantastic and very talented Executive Residence Staff, along with the wonderful people at the National Park Service, we are making tremendous enhancements to the White House, thereby preserving and protecting history!”
The tree, a beloved fixture on the White House grounds, has stood as a living piece of American history for generations. Its removal marks a significant change to the estate’s iconic landscape.
The southern magnolia tree is set to be chopped down this week (Getty stock)
“One of the interesting dilemmas is a tree planted many years ago by the Legendary President and General, Andrew Jackson. It is a Southern Magnolia, that came from his home, The Hermitage, in Tennessee. That’s the good news!
“The bad news is that everything must come to an end, and this tree is in terrible condition, a very dangerous safety hazard, at the White House Entrance, no less, and must now be removed.”
Adding: “This process will take place next week, and will be replaced by another, very beautiful tree. The Historic wood from the tree will be preserved by the White House Staff, and may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!”
7th President Andrew Jackson, who you may know as being the face of your 20 dollar bills, planted the tree for his late wife in the 1800s (Getty stock)
While the news may come as a shock to environmentalists, the United States Department of Agriculture estimate that the lifespan of a southern magnolia is between 80 and 120 years – this particular White House seedling boasts of almost 200 years.
Taking to Twitter, users shared their thoughts on the news.
“Before they take it out, they should take a bunch of cuttings and propagate those. Baby them, grow them, then replant a dozen around the White House lawn,” one typed.
A second wrote: “Lets hope the wood gets used for something special. It’s a very pretty light colored wood but it’s not very durable.”
While a third added: “Two hundred years is a long time for that tree. They should plant an oak or something else native to the region.”
