Overview

• President Donald Trump confirmed the removal of a historic magnolia tree near the White House's South Portico, citing its poor condition and safety risks.
• The tree, believed to have originated from Andrew Jackson's Tennessee home and planted in honor of his late wife Rachel, will be replaced with a new tree next week.
• The wood from the removed tree will be preserved for potential future use, described by Trump as 'high and noble purposes.'
• The National Park Service notes the tree has undergone significant preservation efforts, including pruning in 2017 and surviving damage from a 1994 plane crash.
• The decision has drawn mixed reactions, with some emphasizing the importance of safety and others lamenting the loss of a symbolic piece of history.