Published on 6/7/2026
The British newspaper iPaper published a report by journalist Billy Freeman in which he discussed a series of urban and symbolic projects that US President Donald Trump seeks to implement in Washington, D.C., amid growing criticism from his opponents who see that they aim to immortalize his name and leave a personal imprint on the city’s landmarks more than serving the public interest.
The report indicates that Trump, who before entering politics worked as a real estate developer in New York, is pushing to implement a number of controversial projects in and around the capital, some of which bear his name directly or are linked to his political image, which prompted his critics to describe them as “personal projects – trivial projects” aimed at creating a lasting legacy for the president.
Trump seeks to ensure that his presence remains in the American capital even after he leaves the political scene
Huge triumphal arch
One of the most prominent of these projects is the proposal to erect a huge triumphal arch at the entrance to Washington, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but equipped with American decorative elements, including the Statue of Liberty and gold-plated wings and eagles.
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Trump believes that the project will be a symbol of American military victories, while it raised widespread objections from residents who considered it a waste of public funds and an embodiment of the president’s personal tendency.
Although the project has progressed procedurally, the competent authorities have requested additional studies regarding its impact on traffic and aviation.
Kennedy Center Golf Course
Trump also seeks to redevelop the East Potomac Public Golf Course and turn it into a facility capable of hosting major tournaments. However, the project faced environmental and legal objections after tests showed the presence of lead-contaminated waste resulting from demolition work linked to other projects inside the White House.
The report also addresses the controversy raised by the Trump administration’s decision to add his name to the John F. Kennedy Center, before a federal court ruled that the institution’s original name should be restored, given that changing the name requires Congressional approval. The center’s administration has already begun taking measures to remove Trump’s name from official documents and signs.
Lincoln Memorial
In another context, the US President is promoting a plan to redesign the surroundings of the former US President Abraham Lincoln Memorial, which includes creating a walkway bearing the name “Trump.”
He also ordered modifications to the famous reflecting pool in front of the monument, which raised objections from organizations concerned with preserving the historic character of the site.
As for inside the White House, the project to create a permanent banquet hall at a cost estimated at about $400 million has sparked sharp criticism, especially after the historic eastern wing was removed to make room for construction.
The administration is also preparing to host a mixed martial arts tournament inside the White House complex, amid speculation that the facilities designated for the event will remain permanently.
The report concludes that these projects reflect Trump’s desire to leave a long-term material and symbolic legacy in Washington.
Political science professor Andrew Moran believes that the president seeks to ensure that his presence remains in the American capital even after he leaves the political scene, while he considers that raising controversy over these projects constitutes part of his political style based on challenging his opponents and provoking elites critical of him.
