BREAKING: In a bold move that could reshape Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has signed a presidential order mandating that all federal buildings in the nation’s capital adhere to his preferred classical architectural style. The order, titled ‘Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,’ was issued on October 26, 2023, and aims to replace modernist designs with a more traditional aesthetic reminiscent of the White House and Capitol Building.
This urgent update comes as Trump criticizes the existing Design Excellence Program, established in 1994, claiming it has led to federal buildings that do not resonate with the American public. He stated, “Many of these new Federal buildings are not even visibly identifiable as civic buildings,” highlighting his desire for structures that “honor tradition, foster civic pride, and inspire the citizenry.”
Trump’s order specifically targets buildings deemed modern or brutalist, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), famously described by Secretary Scott Turner as the “ugliest building in D.C.” The HUD building, completed in 1968, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. Trump’s directive emphasizes that any designs straying from his classical blueprint will be flagged for his review, with a clear preference for styles such as Gothic, Romanesque, and Spanish Colonial.
The White House fact sheet accompanying the order argues that a majority of American taxpayers desire public buildings that enhance the beauty of public spaces. It states that modernist designs have been “deeply unpopular” since their introduction in the 1960s. Trump’s vision seeks to ensure that federal buildings convey “dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability,” aiming to command respect from the public.
The implications of this order are significant, as it could set a new precedent for architectural standards in government projects. Trump’s previous renovations to the White House, including lavish gold accents and a planned ballroom costing $200 million, reflect his personal style and raise questions about the cost-effectiveness of his architectural vision.
Looking ahead, the architectural community and the general public will be watching closely to see how this directive unfolds and its potential impact on ongoing and future federal projects. Trump’s focus on classical architecture also raises concerns about accessibility to diverse architectural expressions and the opinions of artists and critics, who he explicitly excluded from his definition of the “general public.”
As this story develops, stay tuned for more updates on how Trump’s architectural mandate will reshape the landscape of federal buildings in Washington, D.C.
