National Garden of American Heroes Sparks Controversy
- Trump statue with raised fist at rally
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial May 9, 2025
- Snow falling near Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial
- Lt. Gov Larry Rhoden at State of the State address
- South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to media
- Young boys at War Memorial during festival
- Crew removing gear post-explosion at rock quarry
Trump statue with raised fist at rally
South Dakota officials are aiming to create the National Garden of American Heroes in the Black Hills, located near Mount Rushmore. Pete Lien & Sons has offered 40 acres for the site, but Indigenous groups have opposed it due to the area's sacred significance. Gov. Larry Rhoden (R-SD) supported the initiative, noting its potential to honor American heroes and display the Black Hills' beauty.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial May 9, 2025
President Donald Trump stated, "This is a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans to ever live." He added, "Our nation is witnessing a merciless campaign to wipe out our history, defame our heroes, erase our values and indoctrinate our children."
Snow falling near Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial
Trump said, "Angry mobs are trying to tear down statues of our founders, deface our most sacred memorials and unleash a wave of violent crime in our cities."
Lt. Gov Larry Rhoden at State of the State address
The Black Hills, designated as Sioux land in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, were seized by the U.S. government after gold was discovered. In 1980, the Supreme Court ruled the seizure violated the treaty, but the Sioux rejected a $1.3 billion settlement.
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden speaks to media
Rhoden reportedly told Trump, "The Black Hills mark the perfect location to achieve your vision for the National Garden of American Heroes."
Young boys at War Memorial during festival
Trump's 2025 executive order calls for 250 life-size statues of notable Americans to mark the nation's 250th anniversary in July 2026. Sculptor applications are due in early July, though the project’s completion date is flexible.
Crew removing gear post-explosion at rock quarry
Environmental concerns and ongoing operations by Pete Lien & Sons have intensified opposition to the project. Additionally, exploratory drilling near the sacred Lakota site of Pe’ Sla has heightened tensions.
Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
