Alabama official apologizes after tree cut down for Trump rally

MOBILE, Ala. – The mayor’s chief of staff in Mobile, Alabama, is apologizing for his role in having a large tree cut down at a city park so it could be used as a prop during President-elect Donald Trump’s recent “thank you” rally.

Colby Cooper said he became “overzealous” while trying to ensure that expectations of Trump’s advance team were met.

Al.com reported that Mobile residents raised questions almost immediately after the cedar tree at Public Safety Memorial Park was felled Friday. It was taken to Ladd-Peebles Stadium, placed in front of the scoreboard and decorated with Christmas ornaments to serve as a backdrop while Trump spoke at Saturday’s rally.

In his apology, Cooper said that in the future he will be “more sensitive to the spectrum of concerns regarding trees.”