Trump’s Mount Rushmore Visit Highlights Ongoing Quest for a Fifth Face

Historical Context: Repeated Calls for a Trump Carving

Trump first voiced the idea of adding his likeness during a 2020 Rushmore rally, calling it “a good idea.” In 2018, then-Rep. Kristi Noem recalled an Oval Office conversation in which Trump said, “It’s my dream to have my face on Mount Rushmore.” Noem later gave Trump a four-foot model of the monument that included his image. In 2025, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) introduced H.R. 792, directing the Interior Secretary to arrange a carving of Trump’s figure, but the bill stalled in the House Natural Resources Committee and faces an uphill Senate vote.

Key Figures & Positions

Donald Trump – President, proponent of a fifth face.

Anna Paulina Luna – Representative who sponsored the carving bill.

Doug Burgum – Interior Secretary, who said there is “certainly” room for Trump’s face.

Mike Rounds – South Dakota Republican senator, citing geological limits.

Larry Rhoden – South Dakota governor, suggesting Trump or Reagan could be candidates if space existed.

Kristi Noem – Former governor and current Homeland Security secretary, recounting Trump’s 2018 comment.

Physical Constraints: Why a Fifth Face Is Impractical

Lead sculptor Gutzon Borglum wrote in 1936 that the “stone limitations are so serious, that I doubt if it would be possible to change the composition… to include a fifth head.” Modern geologists consulted by Sen. Rounds confirm the mountain lacks sufficient rock to accommodate another carving.

Official Statements & Responses

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told reporters there is “certainly” room for Trump’s likeness, while acknowledging that any alteration would require congressional approval. Rep. Luna’s bill has not advanced beyond committee, and Senate Democrats have signaled little likelihood of support.

Criticism & Opposition

Sen. Rounds emphasized geological constraints, and Gov. Rhoden noted the lack of space while tentatively naming Trump as a possible candidate. Fox News host Brian Kilmeade dismissed the proposal, quipping that “we ran out of mountain” and “we’re out of chisels.”

On-the-Ground Reactions

Supporter Mike Pack, 74, of Oregon, told reporters, “He’s the greatest president we’ve had in my lifetime… I like that he’s trying to get everybody together and unite everybody.” Impersonators of Lincoln and Washington expressed satisfaction with the monument’s current state, warning that alterations could cause “more trouble than it’s worth.”

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Room for a Carving: Interior Secretary Burgum says there is room, whereas geologists and historical records assert the mountain cannot support another face.

Legislative Progress: The status of H.R. 792 remains unclear beyond its committee stagnation.

Public Opinion: No comprehensive polling on the proposal is cited.

Verbatim Quotes

“He wasn’t laughing, so he was totally serious. … I said, ‘Come pick out a mountain.’” — Kristi Noem, former governor

“Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values, and indoctrinate our children,” — Donald Trump, Rushmore speech

“, said in an interview, “Unfortunately, we actually looked at Ronald Reagan, as well, and the problem is the geologists we’ve talked to tell us there’s simply no good rock on the mountain.” — Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD

“There’s supposedly not enough room up there to add another face, but if they were able to find some extra space to add someone, I think presidents Trump or Reagan would be good candidates!” — Gov. Larry Rhoden, R-SD

“Yeah, we ran out of mountain. We can only fit those heads,” — Brian Kilmeade, Fox & Friends

“He’s the greatest president we’ve had in my lifetime. I like that he’s trying to get everybody together and unite everybody.” — Mike Pack, supporter