Archive · 2 Sep 2025
Experts Doubt Adding a Fifth President to Mount Rushmore
Some people have suggested adding a new face to Mount Rushmore.
However, experts say it's not possible because the rock isn't good enough.
The monument already has faces of important U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
These presidents represent the birth, growth, and preservation of America.
The original sculptor also thought it would be difficult to add a fifth face.
Even though some people like the idea, the rock is too weak, and the monument is considered great art as is.
Supporters have proposed adding a fifth face, possibly of Donald Trump, to Mount Rushmore.
Experts state the rock on Mount Rushmore isn't suitable for new carvings.
Gutzon Borglum, the original sculptor, also recognized these limitations.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum suggested there is room for a fifth face.
Technical and geological issues make adding another figure to the monument unfeasible.
- Who
- Experts, Gutzon Borglum, and supporters of Donald Trump.
- What
- Debate on whether to add a fifth president, potentially Donald Trump, to Mount Rushmore.
- When
- Idea gained attention after Trump's second term began, and in August 2020.
- Where
- Mount Rushmore, South Dakota.
- Why
- The idea was proposed to honor a president or attract tourism.
- Monument Location
- Black Hills, South Dakota
- Original Sculptor
- Gutzon Borglum
- Presidents on Mount Rushmore
- George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln
- Construction Years
- 1927-1941
- Faces' Height
- 60 feet