A new chapter in the landscaping of the White House has begun with the planting of a sapling dubbed the "MAGAnolia," which commemorates the historic Jackson Magnolia that was recently removed due to safety concerns. President Donald Trump participated in the planting ceremony near the South Portico of the White House, declaring, “We have a beautiful tree now at the White House,” via a social media post. The original tree had stood for nearly 200 years and was said to have been planted by former President Andrew Jackson, who brought the seeds from his Tennessee home as a tribute to his late wife, Rachel HuffPost.

The decision to remove the historic Jackson Magnolia was made following an assessment by professional arborist Peter Hart, who deemed the tree “in terrible condition” and a "dangerous safety hazard." The National Park Service confirmed that the new sapling, now planted, is a direct descendant of the original tree and was cultivated in a dedicated greenhouse for this occasion The Hill.

During the planting, the media was not present, but a brief video emerged showcasing Trump and long-serving grounds superintendent Dale Haney working together to complete the planting. Trump noted that Haney has been part of the White House staff for 53 years, highlighting a sense of continuity and care for the grounds India Times.

While the original magnolia tree was a historic landmark, its fate was sealed after previous damage from a plane crash in 1994 and significant pruning undertaken in 2017. Officials indicated they plan to preserve parts of the removed tree for archival and potential future projects, ensuring that the legacy of the “Jackson Magnolia” continues to resonate within the grounds of the White House.