The White House uproots the last threads of ancient history after 200 years.
April 2, 2025176 ViewsRead Time: 2 minutes
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In a decision that sparked wide interest, the White House announced the removal of the historic Magnolia tree planted by former President Andrew Jackson in 1828, serving as a witness to a long history of events and crucial moments in the United States. The tree, which witnessed 39 American presidents, including the Civil War and two world wars, became a public safety hazard due to its deteriorating health condition, leading to the painful decision to remove it. The Magnolia tree, located near the curved portico on the south side of the White House, symbolized patriotism and loyalty, as Jackson planted it in honor of his late wife Rachel before assuming the presidency in 1829, making this tree akin to a national treasure. However, over time, the tree began to show signs of decay, prompting experts to confirm that it was beyond repair and posed a threat to the surrounding area. In a post on his "Truth Social" platform, President Donald Trump wrote, "The bad news is that everything has an end, and this tree is in a miserable state and poses a safety risk. Therefore, it must be removed immediately." Trump confirmed that the tree would be removed the following week, to be replaced with a new beautiful tree, adding that the tree wood would be used for "noble purposes," without providing further details on how it would be utilized. The "Jackson Magnolia" tree, the oldest tree in the White House, stood for two centuries, considered a symbol of the rich historical past of the American presidential institution. Since 1870, American presidents began planting memorial trees, but nothing compares to the history of this venerable tree. This decision comes at a time when the White House had previously made headlines regarding President Trump's plans to modify the "Rose Garden," announcing his intention to cover the ground with stones to transform it into a design resembling the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, sparking much controversy. The removal of the Jackson Magnolia tree marks the end of a long era in the White House's history, while simultaneously opening a new chapter in the renewal and development journey of this national landmark, which has witnessed many important chapters in the history of the United States.