The idea of President Donald Trump being added to Mount Rushmore has resurfaced. Yes, you read that right—there are actual discussions about whether Trump’s face could be carved alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. But is this a serious proposal, or just another political stunt?
Where Did This Idea Come From?
This idea is not new. Since his first term, the possibility of adding Trump’s face to the iconic South Dakota monument has been discussed.
Trump himself has even joked about it before, fueling speculation that he sees it as a legitimate honor.
In 2020, in response to alleged news that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem suggested adding Trump to the national monument, Trump said that it was “fake news” but “sounds like a good idea to me”
Recently, Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has revived the discussion by introducing a bill in the House. In a statement on X, she stated that “remarkable accomplishments for our country and the success he will continue to deliver deserve the highest recognition and honor on this iconic national monument.”
While Congress ultimately has the power to decide whether to add the President’s face to Mount Rushmore, Doug Burgum, a staunch Trump ally and newly appointed Secretary of The Interior, will be in charge of implementation and might push for it if demanded to do so with Republicans in Congress. The Secretary of The Interior is in charge of all national memorials and parks.
So while no formal plans have been announced by him so far, Trump loyalists and some MAGA Republicans obviously believe it’s a conversation worth having.
Is This Even Possible?
Let’s get one thing straight—adding a new face to Mount Rushmore is not easy. The monument, completed in 1941, was designed to celebrate four of America’s most significant presidents.
Any attempt to modify it would involve a series of major hurdles, including:
- Legal and Legislative Challenges: Mount Rushmore is a federally protected site, meaning any alterations would require congressional approval in both the House and Senate and likely face intense public scrutiny.
- Structural Limitations: Experts have pointed out that there isn’t enough stable rock left on the mountain to carve another face, making the logistics of such an addition nearly impossible.
- Public Backlash: Given Trump’s polarizing status, this proposal would spark nationwide debate and protests, making it a tough sell even for his most dedicated supporters.
What Are Trump’s Supporters Saying?
Proponents of the idea argue that Trump’s presidency was historic enough to warrant a place among the nation’s greatest leaders.
They cite his impact on the economy, judicial appointments, and foreign policy as reasons for his inclusion. Obviously, they feel that Trump, having “made America great” and is “draining the swamp”, warrants him a place among the greatest Presidents in the country’s history.
The Democrats’ View
On the other hand, critics like Democrats would argue that Trump’s presidency was far too controversial to be memorialized on Mount Rushmore.
They point to his two impeachments, handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the January 6th Capitol riot as reasons why he shouldn’t be placed alongside Lincoln and Roosevelt.
Additionally, many historians and preservationists would argue that altering Mount Rushmore at all would be a mistake, regardless of who the new addition might be and how great any modern president is.
Political Strategy or Genuine Effort?
It’s no secret that Trump remains a dominant force in the Republican Party. Placing him on Mount Rushmore could be a way to rally his base ahead of future elections.
However, without serious plans or legislative action, this remains more of a talking point than a reality. Luna’s bill to add Trump to Mount Rushmore has not yet been scheduled for any hearing by the committee before being cleared for an actual house vote.
So, while the idea makes for an interesting debate, don’t expect to see stone carvers scaling Mount Rushmore anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
Could Donald Trump actually be added to Mount Rushmore? Technically, it’s possible—but in reality, it’s highly unlikely.
The legal, logistical, and political challenges are simply too great.
But never say never for the man who made a stunning comeback to the Presidency after a turbulent past 4 years for him after losing the election in 2020.
This discussion seems to be more about political theater than genuine policy by Republicans seeking to curry favor with Trump at this point. But if nothing else, it’s another example of how Trump continues dominating the political conversation, whether we like it or not.
