RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA/Gray News) - The iconic Mount Rushmore, which has stood as a national symbol since its completion in 1941, may soon witness its first significant alteration if one Florida lawmaker's proposal gains traction. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna has introduced a bill seeking to add the likeness of former President Donald Trump to the monument, which currently features the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
The idea of modifying such a revered national landmark has elicited mixed reviews from the public. "I think it's a very prestigious thing to do," shared one visitor from Nebraska, expressing support for Trump's addition based on his perceived accomplishments. Yet, others are more hesitant about the proposal. A Nebraska man countered, expressing discomfort with the idea of changing the monument, stating, "I've appreciated what Donald Trump has done, but he has much more to do. This is a work of art, and I just don't feel comfortable defacing it by changing it at this point."
The monument has long served as a symbol of American history and legacy, making any proposal for change deeply significant. The opinions surrounding the potential addition reflect broader cultural sentiments and divisions. A New Mexican visitor compared such alterations to changing the pyramids, saying, "I'm Egyptian, so it'd be like if you add another pyramid on top of the pyramid that's been built. Why would you? It kind of covers up the history."
Representative Luna argues passionately for Trump’s inclusion, citing his economic, foreign policy, and national security achievements. The congresswoman believes such honors are well-deserved, stating, "He’s accomplished so much during his presidency, and it’s time we recognize him as part of our nation's storied history." This perspective is not universally accepted, with critics worried about the political controversy surrounding Trump and how it could alter the monument's unifying aspect.
The symbolism of Mount Rushmore is not just about the individuals depicted; it speaks to American ideals and unity. Changing its physical form may provoke more risks than rewards. A local historian commented, "Mount Rushmore isn’t merely stone and carvings; it embodies the essence of our nation’s spirit. Adding another face could diminish its significance and confuse the historical narrative we’ve built around it over the generations."
Critiques of the bill often focus on the potential divisiveness of Trump's presidency. Some fear the proposed addition could deprive the monument of its status as an emblem of national pride and collective memory. A visitor’s sentiments echoed these concerns: "He’s a person who brings so much controversy to everything. I’m afraid it would make what should be something we celebrate together, something divisive." Such viewpoints underlie the complexity of public memorials and their role as reflective cultural touchstones.
Mount Rushmore was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum and is located in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The work is recognized worldwide not only for its artistry but also as part of the historical memory of the United States. Keeping this legacy intact is something many people take seriously.
While the proposal remains at the early stages of legislative discussion, it raises important questions about how America chooses to memorialize its leaders and reflect on its past. Should the nation's symbols evolve with time, or is there value in preserving their original states to protect historical narratives? The debate over Trump's proposed addition may be just beginning, but it reveals deep divides over historical commemoration and national identity.
Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it is clear the proposed bill has sparked conversations about what it means to honor leaders and how such decisions affect public perception of national history. Whether or not the proposal moves forward, it serves as a reminder of the cultural and political debates surrounding our most cherished monuments. The ultimate fate of this legislation and its potential impact on Mount Rushmore remains to be seen.