Mount Rushmore: Why Adding Another Face, Including Trump's, Remains Geologically Impossible

Mount Rushmore, a symbol of American presidential history, has become the focal point of a renewed debate following calls from some supporters of former President Donald Trump to add his likeness to the iconic monument. This effort, however, faces significant practical and historical hurdles, according to experts. For nearly 80 years, the granite faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln have stood untouched. The idea of expanding the monument is not new; proposals ranging from Susan B. Anthony to Ronald Reagan have been floated over the years. Yet, the answer from those familiar with the site has consistently been a resounding 'no.' Dan Wank, a former superintendent at Mount Rushmore, emphasized the immutable nature of the monument. 'You can't change somebody's work of art,' Wank stated, highlighting the artistic integrity of the original sculpture. Beyond the artistic and historical considerations, Wank pointed to an even more fundamental barrier: the mountain itself. Engineers and geologists confirm that adding any new face is 'near impossible.' Paul Nelson, an engineer who previously worked on the monument, explained that Mount Rushmore is 'filled with deep fractures.' He warned that 'any new carving could cause serious damage' to the existing structure. A detailed look at the mountain reveals a massive fracture running near Washington's head, underscoring the geological instability. Furthermore, a side view of the monument exposes a significant valley behind the existing sculpture, leaving 'very little room to carve.' Roosevelt's head, for instance, is already carved 100 feet behind the original granite, illustrating the extent to which the original sculptors had to work with the available rock. 'You have to remove so much rock that once you remove the rock to get some competent, there's just not any rock left,' an expert elaborated. While the conversation surrounding additions to Mount Rushmore continues, experts assert that the geological realities of the site make any further carving unfeasible, effectively putting an end to the debate, at least for now.

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A Bill Was Introduced To Have President Trump’s Likeness Carved Into Mount Rush…

The shrine to famously impactful presidents throughout U.S. history may have another face joining them: President Donald Trump.