US EditionTrump executive order mandates classical architecture for federal buildings
The executive order mandates classical and traditional styles for Federal buildings to restore civic dignity, addressing criticism of modernist architecture and emphasizing designs over $50 million, officials said.
- On August 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring applicable Federal public buildings in the National Capital Region, including Federal courthouses and agency headquarters, to adopt classical and traditional architecture for projects costing more than $50 million.
- The order defines classical architecture to include Neoclassical, Georgian, Beaux‑Arts, and Art Deco styles, treats traditional architecture as these plus regional historic styles, and contrasts them with Brutalist and Deconstructivist architecture for clarity.
- The White House has appointed officials to the National Capital Planning Commission and is examining redevelopment of the James V. Forrestal and Jamie L. Whitten Buildings; the Administrator must notify the President 30 days before approving divergent designs with justification.
45 Articles
45 Articles
Trump’s new executive order aims to overhaul federal architecture
On August 28, President Trump signed a new executive order intended to help him reshape Washington D.C. in his image. The order, titled “Restoring America’s Architectural Grandeur,” requires federal buildings to maintain Trump’s preferred variety of “classical architecture”—i.e. the Greco-Roman style favored in the days of the founding fathers. It further mandates that builders will have to notify the President if they plan to construct any fede…
Donald Trump left his mark in the debate on the aesthetic and functional direction of the architecture of the buildings of the U.S. government. With the signing of the executive order entitled “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” the Republican president established a regulation that changes at the root the way in which federal buildings in the U.S. will be designed and renovated. Donald Trump's executive order that impacts the design …
The relevant decree also states that buildings must be economical in their construction, operation and maintenance.
Trump Orders Classical Style for Federal Buildings
President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating that federal public buildings embrace classical architecture "to honor tradition, foster civic pride, and inspire the citizenry," according to the White House. The Washington Post reported in late January that Trump was moving forward with his effort for the government to use a "classical" style of architecture when constructing new buildings. He signed the order Thursday. "President Geo…
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