Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna has introduced legislation to add former President Donald Trump’s face to Mount Rushmore. The iconic national monument, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, currently features the 60-foot-tall faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Mount Rushmore was conceived in the 1920s by historian Doane Robinson, who envisioned a massive sculpture to attract tourism to South Dakota. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum was commissioned to bring the vision to life, and work began in 1927. The project took 14 years to complete, with the final touches added in 1941. The presidents chosen for the monument were selected for their significant contributions to the nation’s founding, expansion, preservation, and unification.
- George Washington: The first president and a founding father, symbolizing the birth of the United States.
- Thomas Jefferson: Author of the Declaration of Independence, representing the nation’s growth through the Louisiana Purchase.
- Theodore Roosevelt: Known for his progressive policies and conservation efforts, embodying the nation’s development.
- Abraham Lincoln: Preserved the Union during the Civil War and ended slavery, symbolizing unity and equality.
Representative Luna’s proposal argues that President Trump’s accomplishments, including economic policies, criminal justice reform, and foreign policy achievements, warrant his inclusion on Mount Rushmore. “His remarkable accomplishments for our country and the success he will continue to deliver deserve the highest recognition and honor on this iconic national monument,” Luna stated in a tweet announcing the legislation.