Trump Reinstates Order Mandating Classical Architecture for Federal Buildings

The executive order directs federal agencies to prioritize traditional designs and submit updated architectural guidelines within 60 days.

President Donald Trump signed the 'Promoting Beautiful Federal Civic Architecture' executive order on his first day back in office, reviving a policy from his previous term.
The order emphasizes classical and traditional architectural styles for federal buildings while discouraging modernist designs like Brutalism and Deconstructivism.
Federal agencies, including the General Services Administration, must provide recommendations within 60 days to align federal architecture with these principles.
The American Institute of Architects and other critics argue the mandate stifles innovation, reduces design freedom, and contradicts conservative values of limiting government intervention.
Supporters, including the National Civic Art Society, praise the move as a way to inspire civic pride and connect contemporary government buildings to America's classical heritage.