Trump 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.
43 Articles
43 Articles
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…
President Trump issues 'MAKING FEDERAL ARCHITECTURE BEAUTIFUL AGAIN' executive order
President Trump, who has a substantial real-estate-related business empire, issued an executive order to promote a preference for classical and traditional architecture for federal buildings.
Trump Signs Executive Order ‘Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again’
President Donald Trump on Aug. 28 signed an executive order to “[Make] Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” with a focus on using classical and traditional architecture in new federal buildings. “Federal public buildings should uplift and beautify public spaces, inspire the human spirit, ennoble the United States, and command respect from the general public,” Trump wrote in the executive order. It orders the federal government to favor classic…
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