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WASHINGTON: Donald Trump is making an unprecedented effort to leave a distinctive architectural footprint in Washington, D.C., with ambitions of transforming the city, much like he did with his properties elsewhere. From a white House infused with gold accents to a lavish redesign of the capital, Trump’s vision includes bold, opulent changes intended to make an impact.
Earlier this month, the former real estate mogul boasted about his talent for construction, revealing plans for a $200 million ballroom at the White House—arguably his most ambitious project yet. Trump’s wealth was built through the development of high-end hotels and casinos bearing his name, and critics say his White House renovations echo that flamboyant style.
Certain sections now evoke the feel of his opulent Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, especially the reimagined Rose Garden, which features picnic tables, yellow and white umbrellas, and freshly paved paths. During his first term, British style commentator Peter York dubbed his aesthetic “dictator chic,” comparing it to the decor favored by foreign autocrats.
He has also laid out broader plans to revamp the entire city, explicitly linking his beautification efforts to stricter law enforcement, including deploying troops to the city—controlled by Democrats—where just two months ago he led a military parade for his birthday. Political analyst Peter Loge commented, “This is a show of power escalation. It’s typical of him—branding bibles, casinos, and now, playing with lives and national reputation. It’s about legacy and control.”
In the history of the White House, major renovations have occurred multiple times. Franklin Roosevelt built the current Oval Office in 1934, Harry Truman led a comprehensive overhaul finished in 1951, and John F. Kennedy developed the modern Rose Garden in 1961. According to the White House Historical Association, the building remains a “living symbol of American democracy, evolving with the nation.” Stewart McLaurin, president of the association, noted that historical changes often drew criticism over costs and preserving the building’s integrity but emphasized that many have become essential to its identity. Trump’s modifications are the most extensive in nearly a century.
Since returning to office, Trump has added lavish touches—gold trim and ornaments in the Oval Office, which foreign leaders have publicly complimented. He transformed the grass of the Rose Garden into a patio, citing sinking heels as his motivation, and installed a sound system, with music often echoing from it. His additions also include two large American flags on the White House lawns and a giant mirror on the West Wing colonnade, enabling him to see himself as he departs the Oval Office.
Trump asserts that he is personally financing these upgrades. However, his larger projects, such as the new East Wing ballroom scheduled to be completed before his term ends in January 2029, are expected to be funded through donations, with estimates reaching $2 billion for wider improvements across Washington.
During a May visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump admired the city’s gleaming skyline, signaling his interest in creating a similarly dazzling capital. His plans include a marble-finished redesign of the Kennedy Center and efforts to clean up graffiti, repair road barriers, and lay fresh asphalt.
Additionally, Trump’s vision for Washington involves a significant security presence—threatening to extend deployment of the National Guard to other cities like Chicago—and he has openly speculated about the possibility of Americans “maybe liking a dictator,” despite denying such intentions. His face now looms large above the city, showcased on posters at government departments, symbolizing his ongoing influence and desire to imprint his image on the nation’s capital.
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