Trump Dismisses D.C. Architecture Board Amid Plans for Major White House Changes

Executive Action Clears Path for Architectural Overhaul in Washington, D.C.

Former President Donald Trump has dismissed all six sitting members of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), the independent federal agency responsible for reviewing and approving the aesthetic design of federal construction projects in Washington, D.C. The sudden and sweeping removal of the board signals a significant move to reshape the architectural landscape of the nation’s capital, particularly as the former President plans major building projects, including potential modifications to the White House complex.

The CFA, which holds considerable authority over design standards for federal buildings, monuments, and parks, has historically been a point of friction for Trump, who has long advocated for a return to classical architecture in government construction.

The Critical Role of the Commission of Fine Arts

The Commission of Fine Arts is a powerful, non-partisan body established in 1910. Its primary mission is to advise the President, Congress, and federal agencies on matters of art and architecture, ensuring the preservation of the capital’s historic character and aesthetic quality. The CFA’s jurisdiction covers key areas, including the National Mall, the U.S. Capitol grounds, and all federal buildings within the city.

Its board members, who serve four-year terms, are typically architects, landscape architects, or artists appointed by the President. Their approval is often required for any significant modification or new construction project affecting federal property.

Why the CFA Firing is Significant

Removing the entire board simultaneously is an unusual step that effectively eliminates potential resistance to the former President’s architectural vision. The CFA has previously been viewed as an obstacle to certain modern or non-traditional design elements favored by some developers, but also to projects that deviate from established aesthetic norms.

By replacing the current members, Trump gains the ability to appoint new commissioners who share his preference for traditional, classical design, potentially accelerating projects that might otherwise face rigorous aesthetic review. This includes:

• White House Modifications: Any planned changes to the Executive Residence or the surrounding complex, which fall under the CFA’s purview.
• National Mall Projects: Oversight of monuments, memorials, and parkland construction or modification.
• Federal Building Design: Ensuring new federal buildings adhere to the aesthetic standards preferred by the administration.

Context: Trump’s Architectural Vision

This move aligns with the former President’s long-standing push to mandate classical and traditional styles for federal architecture. During his previous term, Trump issued an executive order, “Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture,” which sought to make classical architecture the preferred style for all new federal buildings in Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.

“New federal architecture should be beautiful and must be in the classical style, or in a style that is consistent with the classical style,” the order stated, reflecting a preference for materials like stone and masonry over modern glass and steel.

While that executive order was revoked by the subsequent administration, the dismissal of the CFA board provides a direct mechanism for the former President to implement his preferred aesthetic standards through the appointment of like-minded experts.

Precedent of Conflict

Historically, the CFA has sometimes clashed with presidential administrations or federal agencies over design choices. However, the mass dismissal of the board is a rare demonstration of executive power aimed at immediately shifting the aesthetic direction of federal construction. The move ensures that the CFA, once reconstituted, will likely prioritize projects and designs that align with the incoming administration’s architectural philosophy, potentially impacting the look and feel of the nation’s most visible public spaces for decades.

Key Takeaways for D.C. Development

The firing of the Commission of Fine Arts board is a critical development for anyone tracking federal construction and D.C. urban planning. The immediate implications include:

• Accelerated Appointments: The former President is expected to quickly name replacements to fill the six vacancies, ensuring a majority of the board aligns with his architectural preferences.
• Shift in Design Philosophy: Expect a strong emphasis on classical, traditional, and monumental design in future federal projects, moving away from modern or contemporary styles.
• Focus on the White House: The action suggests that significant planning is underway for architectural or structural changes to the White House complex, requiring swift CFA approval.
• Impact on the National Mall: Projects related to the National Mall and surrounding historic districts will now be reviewed by a board more receptive to the former President’s aesthetic mandates.

What’s Next

The immediate focus will be on the selection and confirmation of the new CFA commissioners. These appointments will determine the future aesthetic trajectory of federal construction in the capital. Given the CFA’s influence over high-profile projects, the new board’s decisions will be closely watched by architectural historians, urban planners, and D.C. residents alike, as they will dictate the visual character of Washington, D.C., for years to come.