09.04.2025 14:40
U.S. President Donald Trump removed the historic magnolia tree located in the White House garden, which had been there for nearly 200 years, citing security risks. In its place, a 12-year-old sapling of the same species was planted. During the planting, Trump used a golden shovel and shared the tree planting on his social media account. A portion of the removed historic tree will be kept for archival purposes, while the remaining wood will be transferred to the Presidential Residence.
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U.S. President Donald Trump used a golden shovel to plant a new tree to replace the historic magnolia tree that has been in the White House garden for nearly 200 years. At the ceremony held on Tuesday, Dale Haney, a 53-year employee responsible for the maintenance of the White House gardens for many years, was also present.
Known as the "Jackson Magnolia Tree," the tree, which dates back to the era of America's 7th president Andrew Jackson, was removed due to safety concerns. Trump stated in a social media post on March 30 that the tree was "in terrible condition and posed a danger."
According to the National Park Service's website, the story of this tree is quite emotional. Rumor has it that Andrew Jackson brought the seeds of this tree from his home in Tennessee in memory of his wife Rachel, who passed away shortly before he took office in 1829.
In place of the tree, a 12-year-old sapling derived from the same species was planted. This sapling had been specifically grown in the National Park Service's greenhouses to replace the original tree.
The decision to remove the tree was made based on a report prepared by expert arborist Peter Hart. The report indicated that the tree was structurally dangerous and could lead to personal injuries.
The White House did not allow press members during the tree planting, but later shared a short video on social media. After the planting, Trump said, "We now have a beautiful tree at the White House."
Part of the removed historic tree will be preserved for archival purposes, while the remaining wood will be transferred to the Presidential Residence. Trump noted that this wood could be "used for high and noble purposes."
This tree, located on the west side of the South Portico, was situated at an important point where presidents and prime ministers have been welcomed for decades, and it was also used by the president when boarding the Marine One helicopter. The tree was also damaged in a small plane crash that struck the White House in 1994.
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