On January 20, 2025, newly re-elected U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to promote "beautiful federal civic architecture." The order directs U.S. government agencies to submit recommendations within 60 days on how to make federal public buildings "visually identifiable as civic buildings" while respecting "regional, traditional, and classical architectural heritage." The goal is to elevate and beautify public spaces, thereby enhancing the nation's system of self-government.
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This action follows a similar order from 2020, which Trump had issued during his first term. The earlier order promoted classical architecture for federal buildings and prohibited the Brutalist and Deconstructivist architectural styles. Although this order was revoked by President Biden in 2021, Trump's new initiative reflects his ongoing interest in architectural style.
The executive order seeks to revise the U.S. Government's Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture, established in 1962, and calls for greater community input in design decisions. It advocates for classical architecture to be the preferred style for federal buildings, especially in the National Capital Region and for courthouses, unless specific factors justify an alternative style.
While this executive order is legally binding, it can be challenged in court or overturned by future administrations. The move marks a continued emphasis on traditional architectural values during Trump's presidency, which he believes should inspire public admiration and align with the dignity of American governance.
Source: www.archiportale.com