Trump’s Aspirations for Mount Rushmore and Unfulfilled Legacies
A federal building named after Donald Trump in Washington stands among the numerous tributes to the former president. Prominent dedications include naval battleships, an airport in Palm Beach, Florida, and a government savings account. However, the idea of having Trump’s likeness carved onto Mount Rushmore is unlikely, even acknowledged by some of his supporters.
Trump visited the monument right before the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence. He was scheduled to speak underneath granite depictions of past presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. Inclement weather disrupted the event, with rain and hail prompting attendees to take refuge in a cafeteria nearby.
During Trump’s first presidential campaign, Rep. Kristi Noem of South Dakota recounted a conversation in which Trump expressed his ambition to join these historic figures on Mount Rushmore. Noem found humor in his suggestion, revealing Trump’s seriousness about the idea.
In 2020, Noem presented Trump with a model of Mount Rushmore that included an additional image of him. Around the same time, reports surfaced about White House aides inquiring about adding faces to the monument, although Trump countered these claims. Social media posts highlighted his belief that his first term accomplishments justified such recognition.
“Based on all of the many things accomplished during the first 3 1/2 years, perhaps more than any other Presidency, sounds like a good idea to me!”
Nonetheless, adding a new face to Mount Rushmore demands congressional approval. Practical limitations make the task unfeasible. The mountain lacks sufficient rock to sculpt another face, a reality noted by the project’s original sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, during its construction from 1927 to 1941. Borglum documented the stone’s limitations, casting doubt on altering the monument’s existing composition.
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds mentioned in an interview that past considerations for adding Ronald Reagan to Mount Rushmore faced geological challenges, preventing expansion.
Despite these obstacles, optimism persists for some. A year after his inauguration, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Trump ally, proposed legislation for Trump’s likeness to be carved onto Mount Rushmore. However, the bill failed to progress through the House Natural Resources Committee. Luna later nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, another accolade he has expressed interest in.
The debate over how Trump will be remembered features prominently in his second term. Differing opinions exist, with varied perspectives from Trump and his critics, alongside judicial involvement. While some buildings bear Trump’s name, alterations have occurred; a federal judge mandated its removal from the Kennedy Center board.
At the Independence Day event, attendee Mike Pack praised Trump, expressing admiration for his efforts to unify the nation. Pack was among the select group winning a lottery for event attendance.
Two impersonators at the monument portraying Washington and Lincoln offered their independent views. Neither favored adding Trump’s likeness, emphasizing the monument’s preservation as it is.
In their opinion, any changes might introduce unnecessary complications, advocating for the monument to remain unchanged.