Policy · 10/11/2026
Trump’s Border Wall Construction Spurs Clash Over Ancient Tree
A months-long effort to save a 200-year-old cottonwood ended with its destruction to make way for Trump’s border wall.
Why it matters
The tree’s destruction highlights the local opposition surrounding construction of Trump’s border wall.
- ★The cottonwood near the US-Mexico border was known as the “grandmother”.
- ★Protesters began occupying a platform in its canopy in late July in Lochiel, Arizona.
- ★The group stayed for more than 70 days, but the tree was ultimately destroyed.