Did Trump Plant Trees?

It is no secret that Donald Trump has had a contentious relationship with the environment. He has been a vocal skeptic of climate change, pulled the United States out of the Paris climate accord, and rolled back numerous environmental regulations during his presidency. However, there have been some rumors circulating that Trump actually did plant trees at one point in his life. So, did he?

The Rumors

The rumors of Trump planting trees stem from a story that he told during one of his presidential campaign rallies in 2016. He spoke about how he had once purchased a farmland that was in bad shape and set about restoring it. He claimed to have planted many trees and built a beautiful pond on the property.

The Evidence

Despite Trump's claims, there is little concrete evidence to support the idea that he personally planted trees. The farmland in question is located in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the previous owner, Patricia Kluge, has stated that there were already many trees on the property when Trump purchased it.

Additionally, a 1990 New York Times article about the property mentions that "hundreds of trees" were already there, and it seems unlikely that Trump would have personally planted all of them. The article also states that the land had previously been used for farming and vineyards, so it is possible that some trees were removed in the process.

The Counterargument

Despite the lack of concrete evidence and the opposing claims from the previous owner, some still believe that Trump did indeed plant trees on the property. One argument is that even if there were already trees there, Trump could have planted additional ones. Others point to pictures of Trump on the property that appear to show him digging holes for trees.

The Verdict

Ultimately, it is difficult to say with certainty whether or not Trump personally planted trees on the Charlottesville farmland. While there is some evidence to suggest that there were already trees on the property when he purchased it, there are also claims and pictures that support the idea that he did some planting himself. Regardless, it is clear that the bigger picture of Trump's environmental legacy is far more important than whether or not he has personally planted trees.

Trump's record on the environment has been marked by a lack of concern for climate change and a focus on dismantling environmental protections. From rolling back Obama-era clean air regulations to allowing drilling in national parks and monuments, his actions have had significant negative impacts on the environment. While planting trees is certainly a positive action, it is not enough to make up for the damage that has been done by his policies.

The Bottom Line

The rumors of Trump personally planting trees may or may not be true, but the truth is ultimately irrelevant. His actions as president speak louder than any good deeds he may have done in the past. It is up to individuals, businesses, and governments around the world to take action to combat climate change and protect the environment, regardless of whether or not Trump ever picked up a shovel to plant a tree.