'Nobody will do it once I'm gone': Trump gives blunt reason for Washington building blitz
WASHINGTON, DC: Although it is already clear that President Donald Trump wants to leave his impression in Washington before leaving office, he has finally acknowledged it himself.
In order to leave a permanent physical legacy, Trump is reshaping Washington through architectural, construction, and branding projects.
Trump acknowledges he is building monuments to himself
In an interview with New York Magazine, President Trump didn’t dispute that he is building monuments to himself amid his architectural blitz, saying no one else would continue this work after he's gone.
Trump was confronted by the magazine about several construction projects currently underway in Washington, such as the Triumphal Arch, ballroom, among others.
Trump agreed that he was building them for himself.
“That’s true,” Trump said. “Nobody will do it once I’m gone. When I leave here, nobody will.”
Several renovation and construction projects have been a key focus of President Trump in the second term, igniting concerns among GOP leaders that hyper-focus on monumental projects might negatively impact the upcoming election.
Some congressional Republicans and Trump advisers told the magazine that harping on the ballroom could harm the GOP’s midterm election chances and make staying on message more difficult.
Trump told the magazine, however, that “the people should be thankful” for the ballroom.
“A lot of people said, ‘Don’t do this interview’. But I’m proud of the work I’m doing,” the president said.
Trump argues ballroom is necessary for national security
The new ballroom is reportedly being designed as a heavily fortified structure equipped with military-grade defenses and advanced security measures, such as a drone port on the roof, an underground bunker, and bulletproof windows.
One of the other key construction projects includes a 250-foot Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery, which is set to break ground in the next two weeks.
Earlier this year, CNN reported that all the projects are rooted in Trump’s plan to leave a physical legacy in Washington.
“Look at Donald Trump’s life, look at what he’s done: Built things that no one will ever tear down,” a source close to him told CNN in May, noting that even if successors undo his policies, the ballroom will likely still stand.
“The one thing they can’t tear down will be the East Wing. That is his lasting impact. That’s why he cares so deeply: legacy s**t,” the source said.
