A viral story by the Daily Mail claiming Donald Trump would be added as a fifth face to Mount Rushmore National Memorial left many people briefly convinced it was real.
While the article ultimately revealed itself as an April Fools’ joke, the claim spread rapidly online. Social media users amplified the buzz by sharing AI-generated images of what the monument might look like with Trump’s face carved alongside the original presidents.
Trump’s Longstanding Interest Resurfaces
Although the viral claim was false, the idea itself isn’t entirely new. Trump has previously expressed interest in being included on Mount Rushmore, and the conversation has resurfaced ahead of his expected visit to the landmark during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations on July 3–4.
The iconic monument currently features the 60-foot faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—unchanged since its completion in 1941.
Political Push for a Fifth Face
Supporters of Trump, including some Republican lawmakers, have renewed calls to add his likeness to the monument.
In January 2025, Anna Paulina Luna introduced a bill (H.R. 792) directing the Department of the Interior to begin carving Trump’s face into Mount Rushmore.
However, the proposal remains under review by the House Natural Resources Committee and has not moved forward.
Experts Say It’s Not Legally or Physically Possible
Despite political support from some quarters, experts strongly oppose any modification to the historic site.
Mount Rushmore is a protected landmark managed by the National Park Service, meaning no changes can be made without congressional approval, extensive environmental assessments, and historic preservation reviews.
Even beyond legal hurdles, geologists and engineers argue the project is physically unfeasible.
The monument’s original sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, warned as early as the 1930s that no suitable rock remained for additional carvings. The granite structure contains fractures, and experts say removing more material could risk destabilizing the existing sculptures.
Viral Moment Highlights Power of Misinformation
What began as an April Fools’ prank quickly evolved into a broader political and cultural debate—highlighting how easily misinformation can spread online.
While the idea of adding Trump to Mount Rushmore continues to spark discussion, experts agree on one point: the monument, as it stands, is unlikely to change.
Conclusion
The viral rumor about Donald Trump joining Mount Rushmore may have started as a joke, but it reignited a real debate among supporters and critics alike.
However, with legal barriers, environmental concerns, and structural limitations in place, the historic faces carved into Mount Rushmore National Memorial are expected to remain exactly as they are.
