Did Melania Trump Remove Trees Planted by Jackie Kennedy?

There has been much speculation and controversy surrounding the supposed removal of trees planted by former First Lady Jackie Kennedy at the White House. The rumors began circulating after photographs emerged of Melania Trump's renovations to the Rose Garden, which appeared to show a change in the tree line.

The History of the White House Rose Garden

The White House Rose Garden was first established in 1913 by former First Lady Ellen Wilson, and has undergone several changes and renovations over the years. In 1962, Jackie Kennedy commissioned renowned landscape architect Perry Wheeler to redesign the garden, creating the iconic layout that is still in place today. Kennedy's design incorporated a circular central lawn, surrounded by flower beds and a low hedge. She also added a pear arbor and a tree line of crabapple trees along the north side of the garden.

Melania Trump's Renovations

In 2020, Melania Trump announced plans to overhaul the Rose Garden, citing the need for improved infrastructure and accessibility for disabled visitors. The renovations included removing and replanting flower beds, upgrading the paving and drainage systems, and replacing the existing crabapple trees with new, healthy ones. However, the removal of the trees raised eyebrows among preservationists and historians, who claimed that the tree line was an important part of Jackie Kennedy's legacy.

The Truth About the Tree Removal

In reality, the rumors that Melania Trump removed trees planted by Jackie Kennedy are unfounded. According to the White House Historical Association, the garden's crabapple trees are not the original ones planted by Kennedy in 1962. They were reportedly replaced several times over the years due to disease and aging, with the most recent replanting taking place in 2018. Furthermore, Melania Trump's renovation plans included adding a water feature and seating area, as well as expanding the garden to its original size when it was first established by Ellen Wilson.

The Legacy of the Rose Garden

Despite the controversy surrounding Melania Trump's renovations, the Rose Garden remains an important symbol of American history and tradition. In addition to hosting countless presidential events and functions, it is also a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Whether or not the garden's tree line is a direct continuation of Jackie Kennedy's original design is ultimately a matter of interpretation. What is clear, however, is that the garden will continue to evolve and change over time, just as it has done for over a century.