Trump’s Vision: Transforming Federal Architecture by Banning Brutalist Buildings to Revive Beauty

President Donald Trump is making his mark on the look of federal buildings. He signed an executive order to promote classical architecture, like that of the White House and Capitol, as the preferred style for new federal constructions.

His order, titled “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” pushes back against brutalist and modernist designs, which many find unappealing. The White House claims that most Americans want buildings that reflect their local culture and enhance public spaces. They state, “Their government should respect their preferences,” emphasizing the citizens’ desire for beauty in architecture.

During his first term, Trump attempted similar changes, but former President Joe Biden quickly reversed them. On the campaign trail in 2023, Trump promised to eliminate “ugly buildings” and return to more attractive styles of Western civilization. This renewed focus on classical aesthetics has initiated steps to remove brutalist structures. For instance, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is leaving its headquarters in D.C., described by HUD Secretary Scott Turner as the “ugliest building in D.C.”

In May, the Public Buildings Reform Board suggested selling the Energy Department’s headquarters, as part of a broader effort to offload less desirable federal properties. Recent data shows that the General Services Administration (GSA) has designated several dozen buildings as “non-core assets” for sale.

Despite these changes, the GSA, which manages federal real estate, is currently without a permanent leader. Michael Rigas is acting administrator, but the organization is undergoing significant leadership transitions.

This focus on architectural aesthetics isn’t new. In 1949, the Truman administration established the GSA with an aim to break from neoclassicism and embrace more modern styles, specifically brutalism, which was seen as cost-effective. Some former officials reflect on this era as one that produced many uninspiring buildings.

In contrast, the Clinton administration introduced the Design Excellence Program, aiming to enhance the quality and appeal of federal architecture. However, the program lost its momentum under Obama as budget cuts and a focus on efficiency took priority. Critics argue that this shift led to buildings that impressed industry professionals but not the general public.

The current push for classical architecture raises questions about public sentiment and architectural trends. Many people share their opinions on platforms like Twitter, sparking debates over what constitutes beauty in public buildings. With Trump’s renewed focus, we may see a shift back toward the grand styles of the past. How this will affect the landscape of federal architecture remains to be seen.

Whether these changes will resonate with everyday Americans is a question worth exploring. As public sentiment and architectural styles evolve, discussions around government buildings often reflect broader cultural values. For more details on current trends in federal architecture, visit the Architectural Digest.

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