President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order, directing federal public buildings to adopt a ‘classical’ architectural style. This presidential directive, according to the White House, aims to honor tradition, foster civic pride, and inspire the citizenry.
Discussions on this move date. back as far as January. The signed order came to light this Thursday. Its purpose, the President’s order explains, is to model key edifices within the nation’s capital on the classical architecture of ancient Athens and Rome, akin to the decisions of President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.
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The presidential statement suggests that these founding fathers sought to establish a visual connection between our contemporary Republic and the origins of democracy in classical antiquity through the architecture. This serves as a reminder to citizens of their roles in upholding and perpetuating the nation’s institutions.
Trump’s order instructs federal public buildings, particularly those within the District of Columbia, to use classical architectural designs. It applies not only to new construction but also to renovations. The underlying objective, as stated in the order, is for federal buildings to uplift and beautify public spaces, inspire the human spirit, ennoble the United States, and command respect from the general public.
The General Services administrator is tasked with implementing this order. If a building design deviates from the classical style, the assistant to the president for domestic policy shall be notified, as per the directive.
Historically, Trump had signed a similar order in 2020 titled “Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture”. This was, however, rescinded by former President Joe Biden a year later.
As we continue to monitor the implementation and impact of this directive, it is crucial to remember that architecture, while a reflection of our aesthetic sensibilities, also carries within it the weight of our collective identities and values.