Trump’s Mount Rushmore Speech and GOP’s Vision for Memorial

President Donald Trump shared a video on Truth Social showcasing a golden replica of Mount Rushmore with his face among the iconic figures. The video begins with the phrase ‘Art of the vision,’ featuring Trump’s voiceover asserting, ‘I will be the greatest president for many, many years to come,’ and ‘We’re gonna have a lot of fun tonight.’

Trump posted the video prior to delivering a speech at Mount Rushmore as he began weekend events honoring America’s 250th birthday. During his visit to the South Dakota monument, which features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, Trump spoke beneath the towering sculptures.

Over the years, Trump has hinted at his desire to be added to the mountain, a proposal understood to be unlikely due to space constraints. During his speech, he focused on America’s 250th anniversary, highlighting the nation’s success and uniqueness. ‘Tonight we gather on the eve of one of the most extraordinary days in history,’ he told listeners, celebrating 250 years of American independence and freedom.

In his half-hour address, Trump warned about perceived threats from the political left. ‘Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty,’ he declared, citing it as a significant threat alongside major historical events.

Trump’s Vision for a Place on Rushmore

The concept of adding Trump to Mount Rushmore has circulated for years. Kristi Noem, former South Dakota Governor, recounted Trump expressing to her in the Oval Office that being carved into the mountain was his ‘dream.’ In a 2019 media interview, Trump humorously indicated that responding to the idea would lead to ‘bad publicity.’

While Trump denied formally proposing the idea, he stated on social media that it might be a good concept considering his presidential achievements. He also shared a digitally created image depicting him alongside the monument’s four presidents.

Support exists within the GOP for this initiative. In 2025, Representative Anna Paulina Luna introduced legislation urging the Department of the Interior to honor Trump with a likeness on Mount Rushmore. Others in Congress and a White House spokesperson supported the notion publicly.

However, space limits on the mountain are acknowledged. Gutzon Borglum, Mount Rushmore’s sculptor, conveyed in a letter that a fifth sculpture was infeasible due to the mountain’s geological constraints.

Upcoming Events

Trump’s appearance at the monument preceded a separate address, ‘Freedom 250,’ planned for Washington, D.C., on July 4. Coordinated efforts are underway for this significant milestone through a commission and associated groups focusing on countrywide celebrations.

As developments unfold, detailed coverage of America’s 250th anniversary includes features on massive fireworks, Trump’s agenda versus Roosevelt’s legacy, and event participant changes, among other stories.