Archive · 1 Jul 2025
Mount Rushmore's Future: Adding Trump Face Is Virtually Impossible
Imagine a very big mountain with the faces of four famous people carved on it.
Some people, including Donald Trump, want to add another face.
However, experts say it's almost impossible!
The mountain's rock is fragile and has cracks, making it dangerous to carve more.
Also, the park officials believe it's complete as is, and they do not want to alter it.
Adding a new face could damage the existing ones and change what it was originally meant to represent.
Donald Trump's proposal to have his likeness added to Mount Rushmore faces significant hurdles.
The National Park Service states there is no safe space for a new carving due to geological constraints.
Geological factors like fractures and unstable rock formations pose structural risks.
Artistic precedent and the memorial's original intent are barriers to modification.
Experts, including the sculptor's granddaughter, oppose altering Mount Rushmore's original design.
- Who
- Donald Trump, park officials, geologists, historians, and the sculptor's granddaughter.
- What
- Proposal to add Donald Trump's face to Mount Rushmore.
- When
- The proposal has reemerged since Trump's return to office.
- Where
- Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.
- Why
- Due to geological constraints, artistic boundaries, and structural risks, making the addition nearly impossible.
Supporters of the Original Design
Supporters of Trump's inclusion
Historical Preservation vs. Contemporary Recognition
Supporters of the Original Design
Mount Rushmore should remain unchanged, honoring its initial purpose and the legacy of the original figures.
Supporters of Trump's inclusion
Proposals like Trump's should be considered, as they represent a desire to honor important figures.
Geological Stability versus artistic expansion
Supporters of the Original Design
Altering Mount Rushmore could destabilize the existing monument and potentially damage the faces already carved.
Supporters of Trump's inclusion
If safe methods can be employed, the addition would enrich the site, even if it requires modifying the mountain.
- Current Faces
- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln
- Sculptor
- Gutzon Borglum
- Sculptor's Granddaughter
- Robin Borglum Kennedy
- Rock Quality
- Poor quality, riddled with cracks
- Park Service Position
- No room for additional carvings