Proposal to Add Trump's Face to Mount Rushmore Gains Traction
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican congresswoman from Florida, is advocating for the inclusion of former President Donald Trump's face on Mount Rushmore.
The effort to make this change to the national landmark has roots in an idea promulgated by Trump ally Corey Lewandowski and has sparked a conversation among conservatives about renaming significant sites, as the New York Post reports.
Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, currently displays the faces of four renowned U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Construction of this monumental sculpture began in 1927 and concluded in 1941. Now, there is a movement to add Trump alongside these historic figures.
Luna Steps Forward
Advocacy for this bold addition was originally voiced by Lewandowski, who served as Trump's campaign manager. During an episode of the Benny Johnson Show, Lewandowski urged for immediate action, suggesting that Trump deserves a place on Mount Rushmore to commemorate his achievements.
Luna is spearheading this effort by preparing to introduce legislation that would set the process in motion. She has expressed her commitment to this cause and indicated that the filing of legislation is underway.
Despite repeated requests from media outlets, Luna’s office has not issued any comments regarding the progression or details of the proposed bill.
The idea has sparked interest within specific conservative circles, capturing the attention of those advocating for changes to the names of U.S. monuments and locations.
This movement is consistent with initiatives during Trump's presidency, such as his executive order to revert the renaming of a prominent Alaskan mountain back to Mount McKinley, a name assigned in 1896.
Lewandowski's Bold Tribute
In advocating for Trump's inclusion on Mount Rushmore, Lewandowski emphasized the importance of recognizing Trump's impact on the country.
He conveyed optimism about garnering legislative support, stating, “We got the votes in the house. We got the votes in the senate.” Lewandowski's persistent promotion of this idea has anchored the conversation in political discussions across conservative media platforms.
Meanwhile, broader efforts align with the proposal to alter national landmarks' titles, reflecting similar sentiments of homage.
For instance, Trump’s involvement in renaming initiatives was exemplified by his intent to rebrand the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” a change briefly noted in Florida's recent winter storm warnings.
Context of Current Efforts
Mount Rushmore's historical significance and symbolic representation of U.S. leadership have made this proposal a point of contention.
The possible addition of a contemporary political figure raises questions about the criteria for such homage. Supporters argue for recognition of contemporary achievements, while critics question the change's appropriateness.
The discourse surrounding national memorials' names and Trump’s recent influence reflects a broader trend of revisiting historical names and figures. This movement raises essential questions about how America's history should be honored and remembered.
As discussions evolve, proponents of adding Trump's image to Mount Rushmore, like Lewandowski and Luna, continue to push forward by gathering legislative and public support.
Yet, the proposal's future remains uncertain, pending as debates on the symbolic and philosophical implications endure among lawmakers and the public.