Trump adds Jefferson statue to White House Rose Garden

President Donald Trump has installed a new statue of Thomas Jefferson in the White House Rose Garden, continuing his project to reshape the grounds with sculptures honoring American historical figures. The lifesize bronze statue, depicting the nation's third president seated with a draft of the Declaration of Independence, was added last week, according to individuals familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The statue was sculpted by artist George Lundeen, who said he received a congratulatory call from the president earlier this month. In a voicemail shared by Lundeen, Trump said, "I just wanted to thank you. The sculpture looks really beautiful." The installation was facilitated by filmmaker Steven Barber, who paid to send the statue to Washington in conjunction with the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations.

The Jefferson statue is the fifth sculpture Trump has placed in the Rose Garden. It joins statues of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and a sculpture titled "Freedoms Charge," which honors Revolutionary War soldiers. According to reports, the Franklin, Hamilton, and "Freedoms Charge" sculptures are on loan from Harlan Crow,...