Trump reinstates executive order to build ‘National Park of American Heroes’

On Thursday, President Donald Trump reignited his 2020 executive order for the creation of a "National Park of American Heroes." With the intention of honoring the "greatest Americans who ever lived," Trump emphasized a message of construction, not destruction. Addressing the National Prayer Breakfast, he remarked, “We’re not gonna be tearing down, we’re gonna be building up.” This park will serve as a testament to America's finest, spotlighting figures from various sectors, such as science, politics, civil rights, and the military. While this vision was originally launched in 2020, it was revoked by President Joe Biden. Trump’s return to the plan comes with a new momentum, though the timeline is now more flexible—"as expeditiously as possible."
The original 2020 order outlined ambitious goals, hoping for the park’s completion by 2026, in time for the country’s 250th anniversary. However, under the new order, the timeline is less rigid, with the focus now simply on completing the project swiftly, without a concrete deadline. As part of the new initiative, Trump’s executive order also includes reinstating the 2020 directive to protect monuments and federal offices from vandalism. This reinforces Trump’s stance on preserving historical statues, especially those representing figures integral to America’s foundation and growth. The executive order effectively brings back the original vision while refining its approach.
The National Park of American Heroes aims to honor individuals from diverse backgrounds, with a list that includes not only political leaders but also activists, athletes, military personnel, and pioneers. This garden of statues will celebrate a broad spectrum of American history and achievements. Among the names originally proposed for inclusion are Founding Fathers like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as well as figures like civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and aviator Amelia Earhart. In total, 250 individuals are slated to be recognized, though Trump’s reinstated order calls for further recommendations to round out the list.