A federal building in Washington recently named after Donald Trump illustrates the growing trend of memorials associated with him. There are naval ships, an airport in Palm Beach, Florida, and a government savings account all bearing his name. However, the distinction of being carved on Mount Rushmore remains unlikely. Even among his supporters, there’s recognition of such challenges.
Trump visited Mount Rushmore on the eve of the U.S. 250th independence anniversary. His speech took place in front of the granite carvings of past presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. The weather disrupted preliminary events, forcing visitors to seek shelter from rain and hail.
The question lingers: Does Trump aspire to be the fifth face on this iconic mountaintop? During his first term, Kristi Noem, then-South Dakota Representative, suggested that Trump expressed a desire to join his predecessors on Mount Rushmore. Noem recalled this in 2018, stating that he appeared serious about his interest. As South Dakota’s governor in 2020, she bestowed upon him a model of Mount Rushmore, featuring his likeness alongside the existing figures.
Reports emerged that year that Trump’s aides had inquired about adding new faces to Mount Rushmore. Although Trump denied this, he commented on social media that, given his achievements, his addition to the monument sounded appealing. Yet, for such an addition, Congress must approve, which geological challenges complicate. The original sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, noted in the late 1930s that the mountain’s rock was insufficient to sculpt another face.
Senator Mike Rounds echoed this sentiment, recalling discussions about adding Ronald Reagan. He affirmed that experts determined the rock unsuitable for new sculptures. At the event, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator humorously described his journey to the celebration.
Despite these obstacles, some still hope. After Trump’s inauguration, Representative Anna Paulina Luna introduced a bill to add his likeness. It stalled in the House Natural Resources Committee. In pursuit of recognition, Luna also nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden stated there might not be room on Mount Rushmore. However, he suggested Trump or Reagan could be candidates if space permitted. Rounds, however, deferred to public opinion.
The broader question is Trump’s legacy. His term evokes mixed opinions; his actions invoke judicial consideration. While some landmarks bear his name, legal battles have emerged over their permanency.
One supporter, Mike Pack from Oregon, attended the Independence Day event expressing his admiration for Trump. Wearing a MAGA hat, Pack praised Trump’s unifying efforts.
George Washington and Abraham Lincoln impersonators at the celebration debated the issue. Acknowledging the sufficiency of the current lineup, they both opted for preservation. Lincoln cautioned against change, to which Washington agreed, stating the monument is well-composed as is.