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15:10, 28-Dec-2017
US First Lady orders iconic White House tree be cut down
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An iconic magnolia tree standing on the South Lawn of the White House for nearly two centuries was ordered to be cut down due to age decay.
US First Lady Melania Trump, after consulting with experts from the United State National Arboretum, announced the decision on Tuesday.
The iconic magnolia tree has stood in front of the White House since the 1800s. /AP Photo
The iconic magnolia tree has stood in front of the White House since the 1800s. /AP Photo
In documents presented to the First Lady, experts stated that the tree would have fallen years ago without the artificial supporting system.
At present, however, the cables and the steel pole may fail at any given moment.
"Mrs. Trump personally reviewed the reports from the United States National Arboretum and spoke at length with her staff about exploring every option before making the decision to remove a portion of the Magnolia tree," US President Donald Trump's communications director Stephanie Grisham told CNN.
According to Grisham, the First Lady was “concerned about the safety of visitors and members of the press who are often standing right in front of the tree” when Trump’s helicopter Marine One takes off and in turn shakes the tree.
The magnolia tree seen with US President's helicopter Marine One. /AFP Photo
The magnolia tree seen with US President's helicopter Marine One. /AFP Photo
Known as the Jackson magnolia, the evergreen has witnessed 39 presidencies since the 1800s, when former US President Andrew Jackson planted the tree as a tribute to his wife who passed away not long after he was elected.
The iconic tree also appeared on the 20-dollar bill from 1928 to 1988.
A 20-US-dollar bill featuring the Jackson magnolia in front of the White House. /Guancha.cn Photo
A 20-US-dollar bill featuring the Jackson magnolia in front of the White House. /Guancha.cn Photo
On Wednesday, workers were seen chopping down trunks of the tree. Seedlings of the tree was reportedly preserved and would be replanted at the same location.
Screenshot from Twitter
Screenshot from Twitter
Chelsea Clinton, former US President Bill Clinton’s daughter expressed gratitude towards staff who had taken care of the tree and thanked Melania Trump for “preserving part of a tree I and so many have treasured.”