A nearly two-century-old piece of White House history is coming to an end as President Trump orders the removal of the iconic southern magnolia tree planted by Andrew Jackson in the 1830s. The aging tree, which has graced the presidential residence’s entrance since Jackson’s administration, will be cut down next week after being deemed a safety hazard due to its deteriorating condition.
In a Truth Social post, Trump acknowledged the tree’s historical significance while explaining the necessity of its removal: “Everything must come to an end, and this tree is in terrible condition.” The magnolia, originally brought from Jackson’s Tennessee estate, The Hermitage, has far outlived its typical 80-120 year lifespan. White House officials plan to preserve the historic wood for future commemorative purposes while preparing to plant a replacement tree on the famed grounds.
The decision marks the end of an era for one of the White House’s most enduring natural landmarks, which has witnessed nearly 40 presidential administrations come and go since Jackson first planted it in memory of his late wife Rachel. While some have expressed nostalgia for the living relic of presidential history, others have suggested propagating its cuttings or replacing it with another native species as the storied residence prepares for this significant landscape change.
