Will Trump Be Added to Mount Rushmore? Here’s the Truth

The idea of former U.S. President Donald Trump being added to Mount Rushmore has once again sparked debate. While some of his supporters believe he deserves a place among the greats, critics argue that such a move is unrealistic and politically motivated. But is there any real possibility of this happening? Here’s what we know.

Trump’s Mount Rushmore Ambitions

Trump has expressed admiration for Mount Rushmore in the past. During a 2020 rally in South Dakota, he jokingly said, “I’d ask, but I know they’d never do it.” However, reports suggest that in private, Trump has brought up the idea more seriously. In 2018, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem even mentioned that Trump told her it was his “dream” to be on the monument.

Despite the speculation, Trump has publicly denied making a formal request, stating, “Never suggested it, although, based on all the many things accomplished during my first term, perhaps more than any other Presidency, it sounds like a good idea to me!”

Trump has always had a keen interest in legacy and recognition, often comparing his administration’s achievements to those of past presidents. Some of his supporters argue that his policies on the economy, foreign relations, and judicial appointments merit such recognition. However, political opponents believe that his divisive leadership and controversies disqualify him from such an honor.

Can a New Face Be Added to Mount Rushmore?

Technically, adding another face to the iconic sculpture is nearly impossible. Here’s why:

• Structural Challenges: The monument, sculpted by Gutzon Borglum in the Black Hills of South Dakota, was designed with four presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. According to experts, there isn’t enough stable rock left to carve another face without risking damage to the existing figures.
• National Park Service (NPS) Stance: Officials from the NPS have firmly stated that there are no plans to alter or expand the monument. The site is considered complete, and any modifications would likely be met with public opposition.
• Historical and Political Controversy: The idea of adding a modern president would likely trigger a heated national debate, with historians and politicians arguing about who qualifies for such an honor. Other presidents, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan, have been suggested in the past, but none have been seriously considered.

Adding a new face would also require a congressional decision and extensive public debate, making it an unlikely event. The original monument was completed in 1941 and has since remained untouched.

Supporters vs. Critics: The Debate Over Trump’s Legacy

The discussion surrounding Trump and Mount Rushmore reflects broader debates over his presidency. Supporters argue that his administration achieved key milestones, including:

• Economic Growth: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. saw a period of economic expansion, low unemployment, and stock market growth.
• Judicial Appointments: Trump appointed three conservative Supreme Court justices, shaping the judiciary for generations.
• Foreign Policy Moves: His administration brokered the Abraham Accords, normalized relations between Israel and Arab nations, and engaged in direct diplomacy with North Korea.
• Tax Cuts and Deregulation: The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was one of the most significant tax reforms in decades.

Given these accomplishments, some conservatives argue that Trump deserves recognition comparable to past leaders immortalized on Mount Rushmore. His most passionate supporters have even suggested building a new monument entirely dedicated to him.

On the other hand, critics emphasize:

• Impeachments and Controversies: Trump remains the only U.S. president to be impeached twice, once over alleged abuse of power in the Ukraine scandal and again after the January 6 Capitol riots.
• Polarization: His presidency deepened divisions within the U.S., with heightened political tensions and widespread protests.
• Handling of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Critics argue that his administration’s response to COVID-19, particularly in downplaying the virus’s severity, contributed to a higher death toll.
• Election Denialism: Trump’s refusal to accept the 2020 election results and his role in the events leading up to the January 6 attack on the Capitol remain major points of controversy.

Given these factors, opponents argue that honoring Trump with a place on Mount Rushmore would be inappropriate and that presidential legacy should be judged over a longer period.

Could There Be an Alternative?

While Mount Rushmore seems off the table, other ideas have been floated regarding Trump’s recognition in history. Some proposals include:

• A Separate Trump Monument: Supporters have suggested building a standalone monument or presidential library dedicated to Trump’s achievements, similar to the libraries established for past presidents.
• Naming Highways or Buildings After Him: Many former presidents have had roads, schools, or airports named in their honor. Some Trump supporters are pushing for similar tributes.
• Private Funding for a Trump Statue: Some political groups have proposed privately funding a large-scale Trump statue, possibly in a state that strongly supports him, such as Florida or Texas.

However, no official plans have been announced, and any such project would likely face significant opposition from Trump’s critics.

Public Opinion on Trump and Mount Rushmore

Polls show mixed opinions on whether Trump should receive such an honor. A 2021 survey found that while a majority of Republicans supported the idea of honoring Trump in some way, most Americans—across political lines—opposed adding him to Mount Rushmore. The monument holds deep historical significance, and many believe it should remain unchanged to preserve its original intent.

Political experts argue that Trump’s legacy will take time to fully evaluate. While his presidency was marked by major accomplishments, it was also one of the most controversial in modern history. Whether he will be honored in the same way as past leaders remains a question that future generations will decide.

Final Thoughts

The idea of adding Trump to Mount Rushmore is more symbolic than realistic. While he remains a highly influential political figure, the physical and historical barriers make the chances of his face being carved into the mountain nearly nonexistent. Whether or not a new monument honoring Trump is built remains a question for the future, but for now, Mount Rushmore will stay as it is—unchanged and historic.

The ongoing debate over Trump’s place in history highlights broader discussions about how America remembers its leaders. Time will ultimately determine how Trump’s presidency is judged, but as of now, Mount Rushmore remains reserved for the four presidents who helped shape the nation’s early history.

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