Trump Mandates Classical Architecture for New Federal Buildings

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order mandating classical architecture as the preferred style for new federal buildings, particularly in Washington, D.C. This directive, titled "Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture," was issued on August 29, 2025, and seeks to replace modernist designs, including Brutalism and Deconstructivism.

The order specifies that federal courthouses, agency headquarters, and other public buildings with budgets exceeding $50 million must adhere to classical styles rooted in Greek and Roman traditions, such as Neoclassical and Georgian architecture. This initiative echoes a similar effort from his first term in 2020, emphasizing the need for federal buildings to "uplift and beautify public spaces."

Trump"s administration argues that the classical style reflects "the dignity, enterprise, vigor, and stability of the American government." This move comes amid ongoing debates over architectural aesthetics in public spaces, with critics of modernist designs expressing concerns about their impact on civic identity.

The executive order may influence the design of several upcoming federal projects, prompting architects and city planners to adapt their proposals to align with the new requirements. As the administration continues to shape the architectural landscape, similar situations have unfolded globally, such as recent developments in Thailand"s political landscape, which also reflect shifts in governance and public sentiment.