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Historic White House Magnolia to be Removed Due to Deterioration
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a significant tree on the White House grounds will be cut down because of its deteriorating condition. The tree, a southern magnolia, is located near the south side’s curved portico, a site often used for welcoming foreign leaders and where the president departs to board the Marine One helicopter.
According to information from the National Park Service website, folklore suggests that the tree was cultivated from seeds brought by President Andrew Jackson from his home near Nashville, Tennessee. It is said to have been planted in memory of his wife, Rachel, who passed away shortly before he took office in 1829.
Trump expressed his sentiments on Truth Social, stating, “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.” He indicated that the tree removal will occur next week, to be succeeded by the planting of a new, aesthetically pleasing tree.
In his remarks, Trump also mentioned that the wood from the old magnolia “may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!”
This southern magnolia was notably pruned in 2017 during Trump’s administration and has faced damage in the past, including an incident in 1994 when a small Cessna plane crashed on the South Lawn, causing it to skid into the White House grounds.
Source
www.yahoo.com