Trump Orders Removal of Historic White House Magnolia

President Donald Trump has announced the removal of a nearly 200-year-old Southern Magnolia tree at the White House, which is believed to have been planted by Andrew Jackson in honor of his late wife, Rachel. The tree, located near the South Portico, is considered a safety hazard due to its deteriorating condition. Trump has stated that a new tree will replace the historic magnolia, and its wood will be preserved for potential future uses. The National Park Service notes that while folklore attributes the tree to Jackson, historical evidence suggests the magnolias first appeared in the 1860s. The tree has previously endured significant damage, including a plane crash in 1994 and major pruning efforts in 2017. Despite debates over its origins, the tree was designated as a Witness Tree in 2006 for its historical significance.