Trump plants 'MAGAlonia' sapling at White House, replacing historic magnolia tree

Trump plants 'MAGAlonia' sapling, replacing historic White House tree. (Video Grab)

US President Donald Trump marked a symbolic occasion on Tuesday by planting a sapling on the South Portico of the White House, replacing a historic 200-year-old magnolia tree recently removed due to safety concerns.

According to the White House, a 12-year-old sapling, a direct descendant of the Jackson Magnolia, was planted in its place. The National Park Service, which manages the grounds, confirmed the sapling was cultivated at its greenhouse specifically for this purpose.

The White House's official account dubbed the new tree 'MAGAlonia,' referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. Although the media was not permitted to cover the planting, a short video clip was posted online.

President Donald J. Trump planted a new MAGAnolia sapling at the White House a direct descendant of the historic "Jackson Magnolia." pic.twitter.com/aSJn8Zo4pp The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 8, 2025

The original tree, known as the Jackson Magnolia, had stood for nearly two centuries and was a notable feature of the South Portico, serving as a backdrop for ceremonial welcomes and presidential arrivals.

Trump announced the removal on March 30 via his social media platform, stating the tree was in “terrible condition, a very dangerous safety hazard, at the White House Entrance, no less, and must now be removed.”

“We have a beautiful tree now at the White House,” Trump said after planting the sapling.

While media access was restricted, the White House shared a brief video clip of the ceremony on social media. Dale Haney, the longtime grounds superintendent, also took part.

“Dale's been here 53 years. He's fantastic,” Trump said.

The southern magnolia had long stood near the west side of the South Portico. It was the site where presidents and visiting dignitaries were often welcomed and where presidents boarded or returned via Marine One.

According to the National Park Service website, “folklore tells us” President Andrew Jackson brought the seeds from his home near Nashville, Tennessee, and planted them in memory of his wife Rachel, who died shortly before he assumed office in 1829.

Consulting arborist Peter Hart assessed the tree and concluded it was structurally unsound and no longer viable as a historic or aesthetic landmark.

The Park Service is preserving a sample of the original tree for archival purposes and transferring the remaining wood to the Executive Residence. Trump had said the wood “may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!!”

The tree had been significantly pruned in 2017 during Trump’s first term and had also suffered damage in 1994 when a small Cessna aircraft crashed onto the South Lawn and skidded into the White House.

(With AP input)