Chelsea Clinton thanks Melania Trump for preserving part of historic WH tree

Chelsea Clinton is thanking first lady Melania Trump for helping to preserve a historic tree in front of the White House that was supposed to be taken down.

“Thank you @FLOTUS for preserving part of a tree I & so many have treasured,” Clinton tweeted.

Thank you to all the Chief Horticulturists and everyone from the National Park Service who have taken care of the beautiful grounds of the @WhiteHouse over the years. Thank you @FLOTUS for preserving part of a tree I & so many have treasured. https://t.co/VwzM1qkCDA

— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) December 27, 2017

The historic Jackson Magnolia has been by the south portico of the White House since the 1800s.

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But specialists from the National Arboretum said the tree is too old and damaged and recommended to the first lady that it be removed.

The tree, which has been featured over the years in photos, rested on an artificial support and was likely to fall without it.

The tree went viral on social media, with many calling for the first lady to find a way to preserve it.

On Wednesday, a White House spokeswoman told The Washington Post that the first lady requested that some of the wood from the tree be preserved for replanting in the same area.

The tree was planted when former President Andrew Jackson was in office. His wife died shortly after he was elected, and he wanted to honor her by planting a sprout from her favorite magnolia tree from their Tennessee farm.