A magnolia tree former President Andrew Jackson planted at the White House almost two centuries ago will be removed as it poses a possible hazard.
President Donald Trump made the announcement Sunday on X after talking over the situation with Executive Residence Staff and the National Park Service, The Hill reported.
“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,” Trump wrote on social media about “making tremendous enhancements to the White House.”
The wood from the tree will then be used elsewhere.
“This process will take place next week, and will be replaced by another, very beautiful tree,” Trump added. “The Historic wood from the tree will be preserved by the White House Staff, and may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!”
The tree’s seeds came from Jackson’s home in Tennessee and were planted at the White House in honor of Jackson’s wife Rachel, who died in 1828 — just before Jackson took office, per a report on Fox News.
However, the tree’s origin is not cut and dry, according to the National Park Service’s (NPS) website.
“Historical photographic documentation shows that magnolias first appeared at this location near the South Portico in the 1860s, still the trees are attributed to President Jackson,” the NPS said.
The NPS also noted there have been attempts to save the tree, including a “significant branch removal and pruning in December 2017.”
Jackson was president from 1829 to 1837.
Reactions to the tree’s removal were mixed on X.
