President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to building the National Garden of American Heroes, a project first introduced during his 45th term but never realized. Speaking at a Black History Month event at the White House, Trump announced that basketball icon Kobe Bryant and boxing legend Muhammad Ali would be among the honorees.
“Martin Luther King Jr., Muhammad Ali,” Trump stated before adding, “And the late Kobe Bryant, people love Kobe Bryant.”
A renewed commitment to the National Garden of American Heroes
Trump also acknowledged his longtime friend, golf legend Tiger Woods, confirming that he would receive a statue at a later time.
The National Garden of American Heroes is expected to feature over 200 figures from U.S. history, including civil rights activist Rosa Parks, astronaut Neil Armstrong, baseball pioneer Jackie Robinson, and former President John F. Kennedy. While the project still lacks a confirmed location, Trump assured the audience that plans were moving forward.
A long-awaited tribute to American icons
Originally proposed during Trump’s first term, the National Garden of American Heroes was intended to celebrate figures who have left a lasting impact on the nation. The initiative was sidelined after Trump left office in 2021, but with his return to the presidency, he has made it clear that he plans to see it through.
The inclusion of Kobe Bryant and Muhammad Ali highlights the cultural and historical significance of sports figures in shaping American identity. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and global basketball ambassador, remains one of the most beloved athletes in history. Ali, a three-time heavyweight boxing champion and civil rights activist, is remembered not just for his dominance in the ring but for his outspoken advocacy for social justice.
Trump’s announcement was met with enthusiasm from many sports fans, though questions remain about the project’s timeline and funding. The search for a suitable location is still ongoing, and further details are expected in the coming months.
Regardless of political affiliations, the National Garden of American Heroes aims to serve as a lasting tribute to individuals who have inspired generations, ensuring their legacies endure for years to come.
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