Historic Tree to Be Cut Down at the White House Over Safety Concerns

The magnolia planted on the South Lawn by President Andrew Jackson is seen at left as (L–R) President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, joined by surviving families of service members, hold hands in prayer around a newly planted magnolia tree during a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House on May 30, 2022. Andrew Harnik/AP Photo

WASHINGTON—A tree that’s nearly two centuries old will be removed from the White House grounds because it’s deteriorating, President Donald Trump said Sunday.

The southern magnolia stands near the curved portico on the south side of the building. It’s where foreign leaders are often welcomed for ceremonial visits, and where the president departs to board the Marine One helicopter.