In Washington, a federal building has been named after Donald Trump, similar honors include naval battleships and an airport in Palm Beach, Florida. However, Donald Trump’s aspiration for a recognition as eminent as being featured on Mount Rushmore remains unattainable. Even some of his zealous followers seem to acknowledge this impossibility.
Trump visited the iconic monument on a Friday evening, marking the nation’s 250th independence anniversary. He addressed the audience beneath the monumental stone faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt. Inclement weather affected the pre-event activities, with attendees seeking refuge in a nearby cafeteria during rainfall and hail.
Would Trump entertain becoming the fifth face on Mount Rushmore? During his first term, then-Representative Kristi Noem of South Dakota recounted how Trump expressed his “dream” to join the figures etched on the mountain. Noem, a Republican who later served as Trump’s homeland security secretary, mentioned in 2018 that she initially laughed off the suggestion only to realize Trump was quite serious.
Noem, as South Dakota governor in 2020, presented Trump with a 4-foot model of Mount Rushmore including his likeness. Around the same time, reports emerged about Trump White House aides exploring the feasibility of adding faces to the monument. Trump denied the allegations but mentioned on social media that considering his accomplishments during his first 3.5 years in office, the idea seemed appealing.
The process to incorporate a face on Mount Rushmore would require Congressional approval. However, experts pointed out that the mountain lacks adequate stone to sculpt another face. Lead sculptor Gutzon Borglum, during the construction from 1927 to 1941, forewarned about the “stone limitations,” emphasizing that altering the composition to include a fifth head might be impossible.
Prior to the celebration, Senator Mike Rounds from South Dakota acknowledged geological constraints, stating that not only was the idea of adding Trump under consideration, but also Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately, geologists confirmed insufficient quality rock on the mountain.
Adding to the humor, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator described his descent from Mount Rushmore as somewhat of a “rocky journey” while attending the Fourth of July celebration.
Despite these challenges, hope persisted among Trump’s allies. Following his inauguration, Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida introduced a bill to have Trump’s face added. The proposal stalled in the House Natural Resources Committee. Luna later sought to honor Trump by nominating him for a Nobel Peace Prize.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden appeared supportive, remarking in a statement that should there be space, both Trump and Reagan would be ideal candidates for additional faces.
Rounds stressed the importance of American consensus on such matters. A recurring theme during Trump’s tenure is the contemplation of his legacy, with differing opinions from his camp and detractors, while legal authorities mediate such narratives.
In various locations, buildings and structures bearing Trump’s name have stirred debate. While a federal judge ordered Trump’s name removed from the Kennedy Center, his mark on the U.S. Institute of Peace Building remains intact.
Mike Pack, an attendee at the Mount Rushmore event, affirmed Trump’s merit for inclusion, citing Trump’s efforts at national unity as influential.
Impersonators of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln considered the proposition of sharing their space with Trump. Each deemed the original composition sufficient, suggesting modifications could provoke unnecessary complications.
Washington concurred with Lincoln, expressing satisfaction with the current monument.