President Donald Trump has proposed planting 47 maple trees in Lafayette Square, the public park located directly north of the White House, to symbolize his status as the 47th president of the United States. The plan, disclosed by two sources familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity, envisions matching the number of trees in the park to Trump’s presidential number, with the specific use of maple trees—reportedly a favorite of the president.
Lafayette Square, managed by the National Park Service and part of President’s Park, has historically featured several dozen trees, although some were removed during recent renovation efforts. Details remain unclear about how many additional trees would be planted or if any existing ones would be removed to reach the proposed total of 47. Officials have emphasized that the design plans are not finalized and that as with previous construction and landscaping projects overseen by the president, changes could still occur before a formal announcement.
On Sunday morning, Trump conducted a personal inspection of the ongoing renovations at Lafayette Square as part of a broader tour of several construction sites across the city. These include his planned triumphal arch and extensive alterations to the East Potomac Park golf course. The renovation of Lafayette Square began in January and focuses on upgrading the park’s fountains and landscaping.
Speaking from the Oval Office on June 3, Trump highlighted the renovations, suggesting the park would reopen ahead of Independence Day. However, sources familiar with the project indicate that an opening before July 4 is unlikely, with completion expected no earlier than August. Later on Sunday, Trump posted on his social media platform that the renovations were “now complete except for a replacement of some of the original pavers,” praising the park’s appearance as the best since its establishment in 1820.
The White House and the Department of the Interior declined to comment on the specific plans for Lafayette Square, including questions about project funding and reopening timelines. In addition to landscaping changes, the administration is planning to install a new fence along two sides of the park, a long-standing request from the Secret Service aimed at enhancing security around the White House complex.