A Tour of Trump's Renovated Washington, DC
President Donald Trump has physically reshaped Washington, DC, since returning to office, from renaming buildings to constructing a massive arch. Tourists visiting for the 250th anniversary face scaffolding and renovations that reflect Trump's desire to leave his mark on the capital.
Washington, DC, looks different these days. Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has pushed to remake the city in his image, adorning buildings with his name and face, repainting monuments, and altering the White House itself. As the US celebrates its 250th anniversary, tourists may be surprised by the extensive construction and scaffolding across the capital.
The tour begins at Union Station, where an $11.8 million renovation restored fountains and cleaned marble sculptures. Homeless encampments were cleared by the National Guard, now redeployed to the Reflecting Pool.
Walking down Pennsylvania Avenue, giant banners with Trump's face hang from the Labor and Justice Department buildings. These $6,000 banners symbolize Trump's push for total control, especially the one at DOJ, an agency that indicted him twice, with the slogan "Make America Safe Again."
The White House remains partially obscured by construction of Trump's ballroom. Initially estimated at $200 million, costs ballooned to $1 billion until Republicans objected. The project now includes a bunker and a planned drone port, partially funded by money previously appropriated for the Secret Service.
The Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial, renovated for $14.2 million, has suffered algae blooms and torn linings. National Guard members have been ordered to detain anyone touching the water.
The most dramatic change is Trump's 250-foot triumphal arch, topped with gilded statues including a 60-foot Lady Liberty. It will obscure the view of Arlington National Cemetery and alter the DC skyline. A poll shows 52% oppose the arch, with only 21% in favor.
The Kennedy Center no longer bears Trump's name after a federal judge ordered its removal, though a tarp still covers the spot. The US Institute of Peace building still has Trump's name after DOGE unlawfully shuttered the agency.
