President Donald Trump has added a touch of MAGA flair to the White House grounds by planting a new magnolia tree. This symbolic planting represents both a continuation of White House heritage and a playful political statement that’s sure to delight supporters while raising eyebrows among critics. How much genetic material from the original Jackson Magnolia remains in this new sapling?
A Historic Tree Gets a MAGA Makeover
President Donald Trump recently participated in a significant White House tradition by planting a new magnolia tree on the grounds, dubbing it the “MAGAnolia.” The sapling replaces the historic Jackson Magnolia that stood for approximately 200 years before being removed due to safety concerns.
The White House released photos and video of the ceremonial planting, showing the President actively participating in the process from digging to placement. “We have a beautiful tree now in the White House,” remarked President Trump during the event, as the administration formally announced, “President Donald J. Trump planted a new MAGAnolia sapling at the White House.”
President Trump plants a new descendant sapling of the historic "Jackson Magnolia." The White House remains committed to the stewardship and preservation of its historic grounds.
"We have a beautiful tree now in the White House." – @POTUS 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/0wA8ShWye2
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 8, 2025
The Jackson Legacy Lives On
The original Jackson Magnolia held deep historical significance as it was planted by President Andrew Jackson in the early 1800s. The tree was named in honor of Jackson’s wife, Rachel, and was transported from his Hermitage estate in Nashville, Tennessee.
The decision to remove the original tree was not made lightly but came after assessments from multiple experts, including master arborists and the Secret Service, determined it posed a safety threat. Importantly, the new sapling is a genetic descendant of the original tree, preserving its historical lineage while starting a new chapter in White House landscaping history.
President Donald J. Trump planted a new MAGAnolia sapling at the White House — a direct descendant of the historic "Jackson Magnolia." 🌳🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aSJn8Zo4pp
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 8, 2025
Political Branding Meets Presidential Tradition
The “MAGAnolia” name represents a clear wordplay on Trump’s famous “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan, blending it with the tree’s botanical classification. This naming approach exemplifies the Trump administration’s consistent efforts to incorporate the MAGA brand into various aspects of the presidency.
While the White House has used the “MAGAnolia” term in official communications about the planting, it remains unclear whether this will become the tree’s permanent designation in White House records. The magnolia tree will likely grow for decades or even centuries, potentially outlasting the political slogan that inspired its nickname.