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The Trump administration is moving forward with a $2 billion plan to overhaul Washington, DC, for a beautification initiative aimed at transforming the capital’s infrastructure.
Getting into it: First reported by Reuters and then picked up by other major outlets, the Trump administration is requesting $2 billion from Congress to fund an expansive beautification and infrastructure overhaul in Washington, DC. The proposed funds would be directed toward revitalizing a three-mile radius surrounding the Capito, with specific plans to repave roads, replace outdated street lighting, and dramatically improve landscaping across federal parks and public spaces. President Trump has compared his vision to the pristine standards of his own golf resorts, promising lush grass, high-quality asphalt, and a complete visual transformation of the city’s core within 12 months.
Trump has already named Clark Construction as the lead contractor for the project, which will also include upgrades to federal landmarks and public grounds such as Dupont Circle and portions of the National Mall. He cited the city’s current state as unacceptable, claiming it has fallen into neglect under local leadership.
Though initially downplaying the $2 billion price tag as potentially more than necessary, Trump later said that the funds would be “wisely spent” and insisted that key congressional leaders (House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune) were on board with the plan.
In announcing the plan, Trump issued a direct warning to DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, sharply criticizing her administration for what he described as failures to address crime, sanitation, and general city upkeep. “Mayor Bowser better get her act straight or she won’t be mayor very long,” Trump said, threatening further federal intervention if the city didn’t meet his expectations.
