The magnolia tree (left of center, with a silver trunk) dates between the late 1820s and the 1860s.

(FOX NEWS) – President Trump has announced the
plan to chop down the tree.

According to folklore, two trees were planted by Andrew Jackson
to honor his late wife Rachel.

President Trump said “this tree is in terrible condition, a very
dangerous safety  hazard, at the White House entrance, no
less, and must now be removed.”

Trump said the historic tree will be chopped down in coming
days, and replaced by another tree.

The president added: "The Historic wood from the tree will be
preserved by the White House Staff, and may be used for other
high and noble purposes!!!"

President Donald Trump-former President Andrew Jackson.

March 27, 1912: In Washington, D.C., Helen Taft, wife of President
William Taft, and the Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador, planted two Yoshino cherry trees on the northern
bank of the Potomac River, near the Jefferson Memorial.

The event was held in celebration of a gift, by the Japanese
government, of  3,020 cherry trees to the U.S. government.

The planting of Japanese cherry trees along the Potomac was
first proposed by socialite Eliza Scidmore, who raised money
for the endeavor. Helen

Taft had lived in Japan while her husband was president of the
Philippine Commission, and knowing the beauty of cherry
blossoms she embraced Scidmore’s idea. After learning of
the first lady’s interest, the Japanese consul in New York
suggested making a gift of the trees to the U.S. government
from the city of Tokyo.