A Famous White House Tree Is Coming Down

The view of the White House is going to look a bit different in the near future: a giant southern magnolia linked to Andrew Jackson is coming down, reports the Hill. President Trump announced on Truth Social Sunday that the tree will be taken down next week because it's in "terrible condition" and presents a safety hazard. A new tree will be planted in its place, and the "Historic wood from the tree will be preserved by the White House Staff, and may be used for other high and noble purposes!!!" Trump wrote.

A post on the National Park Service website explains that "folklore tells us" Jackson himself planted the tree, having brought the seeds from his native Tennessee. He reportedly did so to honor his late wife, Rachel, who died just before he took office in 1829. The NPS adds a dose of skepticism to the tale, however, noting that photographs don't show the tree turning up until the 1860s. The tree memorably sustained damage in 1994 when a small Cessna aircraft crashed onto the South Lawn, per the AP. (More White House stories.)