President Donald Trump spoke at Mount Rushmore on July 3, 2026, as part of the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event was impacted by weather conditions, with rain and hail forcing attendees to seek shelter. Trump has expressed a desire to have his likeness added to the monument, a notion that has been met with skepticism, including from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who recalled that Trump had shared this dream with her during his first term. Noem had previously presented Trump with a model of Mount Rushmore featuring his image.
For any additional faces to be added to Mount Rushmore, Congressional approval would be required, and experts have indicated that the mountain does not have sufficient rock to accommodate another sculpture. Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota confirmed that geological assessments have shown no suitable rock for further carving.
Despite these challenges, some supporters continue to advocate for Trump's inclusion, with Representative Anna Paulina Luna introducing a bill for this purpose, though it did not progress in Congress. Governor Larry Rhoden suggested that if space were available, Trump or former President Ronald Reagan could be considered for addition.
The event also featured impersonators of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, who expressed their preference for the monument to remain unchanged. Trump’s legacy and how he will be remembered remains a topic of discussion among his supporters and critics alike.