Newsweek is under fire for this misleading headline on Melania Trump and an old tree on the grounds of the White House since the days of Andrew Jackson.
First up, the headline:
Melania Trump orders removal of the near-200-year-old tree from the White House https://t.co/mkntr7Ytlf pic.twitter.com/Ck8Vj7VXgB
— Newsweek (@Newsweek) December 26, 2017
And now for the basis of the decision: The tree is dead and a safety hazard, which Newsweek writes in the first paragraph of its updated story:
The historic Jackson magnolia has been on the south facade of the White House since the 1800s—making it the oldest on the grounds. But Tuesday, Melania Trump reportedly made the decision to have it removed after tree specialists determined “the overall architecture and structure of the tree is greatly compromised,” the report stated, according to CNN.
CNN obtained documents from specialists at the United States National Arboretum, which determined the magnolia tree must be removed. The tree is “completely dependent on artificial support,” the document read.
CNN’s Kate Bennett, who actually reported the scoop that Newsweek aggregated, called out the favorite magazine of dentists everywhere for it’s “grossly unfair” and “inaccurate” headline:
wow this hed is grossly unfair and, quite frankly, inaccurate https://t.co/zHXTV37bAG
— Kate Bennett (@KateBennett_DC) December 26, 2017
Keep it up, media … you’re doing this to yourselves:
Industry that complains about people deriding “fake news” should consider stopping creating it. https://t.co/q6PKjRY6Ck
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) December 26, 2017
That tree would be in exactly the same shape right now if Hillary had won.
Way to remind us how unreliable you are, @Newsweek. https://t.co/RBbSVWkH4u
— Jim Treacher is a dumb pseudonym (@jtLOL) December 27, 2017
My position on Trump is no secret. But after reading the story, this headline/tweet is a major misrepresentation of what is going on. It only adds fuel to the "fake news" fire. Bad journalism. https://t.co/PM0qhJ0BLv
— Christian Christensen (@ChrChristensen) December 27, 2017
Headline is horribly misleading-example gatrillion of why nobody trusts my profession-be better stewards of journalism & stop being jagoffs https://t.co/NshM8G9N9U
— SalenaZito (@SalenaZito) December 26, 2017
And credit to the Washington Post for its accurate headline:
The iconic tree is now too old and badly damaged to remain in place https://t.co/PkeLKbqQsg
— Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 27, 2017
Chelsea Clinton even took the time to thank Melania for preserving part of the tree:
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
Removal of the tree is underway today:
WATCH LIVE: Part of nearly 200-year-old White House Magnolia tree being removed for safety: https://t.co/OXfLk5MMNN pic.twitter.com/h1Uwxly7mE
— ABC 7 News – WJLA (@ABC7News) December 27, 2017
