Key takeaways from the proposed bill:

• Rep. Anna Paulina Luna introduced legislation to add Donald Trump's likeness to Mount Rushmore.
• The bill aims to recognize Trump's perceived accomplishments and strengthen support from his base.
• Experts suggest the bill faces significant challenges in gaining bipartisan support and overcoming local cultural concerns.

The debate surrounding Mount Rushmore has taken a new turn as Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has introduced a bill to add President Donald Trump's face to the iconic mountain sculpture. Announced on social media, Luna stated that Trump's "remarkable accomplishments" warrant this grand recognition, alongside the revered figures of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt, whose faces are already carved into granite at the South Dakota site. “Let’s get carving!” she proclaimed, emphasizing Trump’s legacy as deserving of such honor, as reported by HuffPost and Newsweek.

The proposal aligns with a sentiment growing among Trump's supporters, particularly in light of upcoming celebrations for the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. Some members of the public and commentators have echoed Luna's enthusiasm; Kayleigh McEnany, the former press secretary, called the idea "epic," remarking on the contrast it would present with policies from the current administration. However, limitations in bipartisan support and rising opposition are likely to hinder the bill's progress through Congress, where such legislation would require considerable backing from both parties.

Adding to the complexity, many local Indigenous groups have criticized the Mount Rushmore monument as a symbol of colonialism and cultural insensitivity. Activists liken the proposal to an act of erasure against the historical injustices faced by Native peoples. Nick Tilsen, from the Oglala Lakota tribe, stated that the site embodies structural racism, arguing that it is an injustice to promote figures who have harmed Indigenous communities. The National Park Service acknowledges the contentious history surrounding the monument, which took over land significant to Native tribes.

Despite past discussions on Trump’s desire for such recognition, including his comments back in 2017 suggesting the idea was entertaining, the discourse now has materialized into a formal legislative proposal. As Luna noted, “Mount Rushmore... deserves to reflect his towering legacy,” yet the feasibility of this vision remains contingent on political realities and public sentiment.

The *Mount Rushmore* proposal thus not only encapsulates ongoing political divisions but also highlights broader conversations about memorialization, history, and national identity. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how this bill will be received amidst a polarized political landscape.

For more details on this developing story, refer to the original articles from HuffPost, The Hill, and Newsweek.