Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Directs Administration to Make Federal Architecture Beautiful Again

8/28/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Mandate for Classical Architecture: President Trump’s Executive Order requires all Federal public buildings—including courthouses and government offices—to adopt classical architectural styles that honor tradition, foster civic pride, and inspire citizens.
Design and Aesthetic Requirements: Buildings must be visually identifiable as civic structures and reflect regional heritage; any departure from the classical style (e.g., Brutalist or modernist forms) must be notified to the President through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy.
Implementation Responsibility: The Administrator of the General Services Administration is tasked with overseeing implementation, ensuring that trained architects and administrators adhere to the mandated design standards.
Historical and Cultural Context: The Order emphasizes the vision of America’s Founding Fathers—citing George Washington and Thomas Jefferson as models—and criticizes the 1960s shift toward modernist designs that diverged from traditional aesthetics preferred by American taxpayers.
Broader Initiatives for National Aesthetics: This Order is part of a series of actions aimed at restoring America’s architectural grandeur, including previous and recent efforts to beautify Washington, D.C., national parks, and other public spaces, and to protect monuments and national symbols.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order mandates a shift towards classical architecture for Federal public buildings, which could influence architectural education and research priorities at institutions like Vanderbilt University. This may necessitate adjustments in curriculum and research focus to align with federal preferences.
There is a potential risk that the emphasis on classical architecture could limit creative freedom and innovation in architectural design, impacting students and faculty involved in architecture and design programs.
The requirement for classical architecture may lead to increased costs for construction and renovation projects, as classical designs can be more expensive to implement. This could affect budget allocations for federally funded building projects.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these architectural preferences could impact its own campus planning and development, particularly if federal funding or partnerships are involved.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Architecture may need to adapt its programs to incorporate classical architectural principles, potentially affecting course offerings and faculty expertise.
The Department of History of Art could see increased interest in courses related to classical architecture and its historical significance, providing opportunities for expanded research and teaching.
Vanderbilt’s Facilities and Campus Planning might need to consider the implications of this order when planning new buildings or renovations, especially if federal funding is involved.

Financial Impact

The focus on classical architecture could lead to increased costs for federally funded construction projects, potentially affecting the availability of funds for other initiatives.
Vanderbilt University may need to explore alternative funding sources or partnerships to support architectural projects that do not align with the federal preference for classical styles.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in classical architecture and its applications, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, particularly in architectural education and campus planning.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Architecture should consider aligning its curriculum and research initiatives with the renewed emphasis on classical architecture. This could involve developing specialized courses or workshops that focus on classical design principles and their application in modern civic architecture.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to federal building projects and explore opportunities for Vanderbilt to contribute expertise in architectural design and historical preservation. Engaging with federal agencies could position the university as a partner in projects that align with the executive order’s goals.
Vanderbilt’s Department of History could leverage this focus on classical architecture to conduct research on the historical significance and impact of architectural styles on civic engagement and national identity. This research could be shared with policymakers and the public to enhance understanding of architectural heritage.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy could host public forums or discussions on the role of architecture in shaping civic pride and national identity. These events could foster dialogue on how architectural choices reflect and influence societal values.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Architecture to collaborate with federal agencies on projects that require expertise in classical architecture. By positioning itself as a leader in this field, the school can enhance its reputation and attract new students interested in classical design.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on architectural heritage by developing partnerships with organizations dedicated to historical preservation and civic engagement. These collaborations could lead to joint research initiatives, public exhibitions, and educational programs that highlight the importance of architectural beauty in public spaces.
The emphasis on restoring architectural grandeur aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to cultural and historical preservation. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs that promote the appreciation of classical architecture and its role in American history and identity.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed for Vanderbilt’s programs to align with the renewed focus on classical architecture and historical preservation.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A — No specific compliance deadlines or implementation timelines are mentioned in the directive.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

General Services Administration (GSA): Responsible for the overall implementation of the Order, the GSA will ensure that federal public buildings adhere to classical aesthetics by involving qualified architects and administrators in building design.
Office of the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy: This office is required to be notified of any deviations from the preferred classical style, ensuring that non-conforming designs are evaluated to maintain the dignity and historical legacy of federal architecture.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only two Federal Agencies are clearly impacted by the directive.)

Responsible Officials

Administrator of the General Services Administration – Tasked with implementing the Order by establishing processes to ensure that architects and administrators with the appropriate expertise are involved in the design of Federal buildings.
Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy – Responsible for receiving notifications when building designs deviate from the preferred classical style, including instances of Brutalist, Deconstructivist, or other modernist architecture.

Relevance Score: 4 (Directs agency heads and senior officials responsible for implementing and monitoring compliance with the architectural directives.)