Removed Historic Magnolia a Symbol of a First Lady Who Never Was

The White House on Monday removes one of the oldest trees on the grounds out of fear it would fall. Trump replaces it with a descendant sapling.

Workers remove a southern magnolia tree, said to have been planted by former President Andrew Jackson in honor of his late wife, on the South Lawn of the White House on April 07, 2025 in Washington, DC. The historic tree, planted almost two centuries ago, has been determined to be in a dangerous condition and is being removed for safety reasons. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)