A decade after Donald Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States, his influence on the architectural landscape of Washington, D.C., has sparked significant controversy. Trump has been involved in several major projects, including the renovation of the White House and the development of new structures such as a grand ballroom and a triumphal arch. These projects have drawn attention not only for their scale but also for their cost and the questions they raise about public funding and historical preservation. One of the most contentious projects is the White House ballroom, which was initially intended to seat 650 guests at a cost of $200 million. However, the project has grown in both size and expense, now seating up to 1,000 guests and costing $600 million. At least half of this cost is expected to be covered by taxpayers. The project has evolved into what is now called the "Magnificent Ballroom and Military Complex," which includes a six-storey military-grade bunker, a command and emergency operations center, a full-scale military hospital, and secure telecommunications hubs. The project has faced legal challenges, but the Supreme Court recently allowed construction to continue despite concerns over its legality. Another major project is the triumphal arch, planned to rise 250 feet above Memorial Circle on Columbia Island in the Potomac River. Designed to honor Trump, the arch is intended to be the "GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch" in the world. However, it has drawn criticism for its design and its potential impact on surrounding historic sites. The National Park Service has stated that the project could "adversely affect" dozens of historic locations in Washington, D.C. Additionally, a group of Vietnam veterans has filed a lawsuit, arguing that the arch would be an unwelcome "expression of domination," with its observation deck overlooking Arlington National Cemetery. The Trump administration has also proposed changes to the National Historic Preservation Act, specifically Section 106, which requires federal agencies to consider the impact of their projects on historic sites. These proposed changes would narrow the definition of historic places, exclude consideration of the "visual, atmospheric or audible" effects of new projects, and reduce the need to consult with Indigenous tribes and the public. Critics argue that these changes could severely weaken protections for the nation's shared cultural and civic heritage. Alongside these efforts, other projects have included the "Safe and Beautiful" initiative, which has involved spending on fountains, gilded statues, and a statue of a prominent slave owner, among other controversial undertakings.