Sponsors
The bill would add a presidential figure at Mount Rushmore—potentially boosting local tourism and clarifying agency responsibility—but risks unfunded costs, environmental harm, and significant legal and cultural disputes with Tribal nations and local communities.
Visitors to Mount Rushmore and nearby communities could see increased tourism and related local revenue if an added presidential figure attracts more visitors.
The bill assigns clear responsibility to the National Park Service/Interior to carry out the specified action, reducing implementation ambiguity.
Tribal nations, residents of the Black Hills area, and other stakeholders may face legal, cultural, and public-controversy risks over altering sacred lands, provoking disputes and harm to relationships with Tribal communities.
Taxpayers, local governments, and Interior/NPS staff could bear unfunded costs and diverted staff time if planning or construction proceeds without specified appropriations, reducing resources for other park priorities.
Physical alteration of the national memorial site could cause environmental and conservation impacts on Mount Rushmore and surrounding lands, affecting local ecosystems and land stewardship.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Interior Secretary, through the NPS Director, to arrange for carving a figure of President Donald J. Trump on Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Introduced January 28, 2025 by Anna Luna · Last progress January 28, 2025
Requires the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the National Park Service, to arrange for carving a figure of President Donald J. Trump on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The mandate directs the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service to plan and implement the carving but does not specify funding, timeline, technical details, or required approvals.