A wave of construction projects ordered by President Donald Trump is transforming Washington DC, drawing criticism from preservationists and visitors who describe the capital as feeling like an “occupied” city. From the demolition of the White House East Wing to the restoration of the Reflecting Pool and the proposed 250-foot triumphal arch, the city is undergoing a makeover ahead of the US’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
White House East Wing demolition and ballroom project
Trump has ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing to make way for a massive ballroom. Recently disclosed figures show the project is projected to cost $600 million, with half funded by taxpayers, contradicting Trump’s claim that the cost would be $400 million and covered by private donors. The contract for the ballroom was awarded on a no-bid basis to Clark Construction, the same company renovating Lafayette Square under a $17 million contract.
Reflecting Pool and other renovations
The National Park Service has restored fountains across the city, including the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, which underwent a $13.1 million renovation to repair algae discoloration. Trump claimed the pool would be turned “American-flag blue,” but visitors have noted the water appears black or green under certain light. The Arlington Memorial Bridge is also under renovation, with columns and statues covered by tarpaulin.
Proposed Independence Arch draws controversy
Plans have been unveiled for a 250-foot triumphal arch south of the Potomac River, near Arlington National Cemetery. Critics have dubbed it the “Arc de Trump” and argue it would obstruct views of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. About 600 letters of objection have been sent to the US Commission of Fine Arts, and congressional Democrats have introduced legislation to defund the project, arguing it lacks congressional approval. The White House contends that approval was granted under a 1925 report, but preservationists dispute this interpretation.
Public frustration and access restrictions
Large areas around the White House, including Lafayette Square and the Ellipse, have been sealed off with chain-link fences and black tarpaulin, creating an “exclusion zone” atmosphere. Visitors have expressed disappointment at being unable to access historic sites. “It is a different city right now,” said Rebecca Miller, executive director of the DC Preservation League. “There are visitors from out of town who are disappointed that they’re only here for a few days, and there’s so much construction going on at the moment.”
Julie, a visitor from out of town who declined to provide her full name, said of the sign on Lafayette Square: “The irony. It’s neither safe, nor beautiful.” Her husband, Robert, a retired history professor, added: “Everything that I’ve seen is to honor Donald Trump, not America’s 250th anniversary.”
UFC event and temporary toilets
On June 14, Trump’s birthday, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was held on the White House South Lawn. Scores of temporary toilets were installed on the Ellipse, drawing criticism from Norma Roth, a 62-year-old children’s book author from Tampa. “It’s so symbolic of what he’s doing to the country. It’s like he’s shitting all over our nation’s capital,” she said. Roth noted that the restricted area around the White House prevents free speech and protest, adding: “It’s like we are under occupation.”
Great American State Fair and future outlook
The National Mall remains partially cordoned off for the Great American State Fair, a 16-day exposition starting June 25. Angie Clark, a molecular biologist from Salt Lake City, described the atmosphere as “forbidding.” “I’ve been here many times before, and I have never imagined that I would be so completely locked out of everything,” she said. “It feels exclusive, and not in a good way.”
