President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring traditional and classical architecture the “preferred” and “default” style for all major new federal buildings in the United States, particularly in Washington, D.C.
The executive order, titled “Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” revives an aesthetic philosophy rooted in the early republic and sharply departs from decades of modernist architectural practices.
While the order argues classical buildings better reflect the dignity of government, several architects told Newsweek of their skepticism about reviving the style in modern contexts.
Signed on August 28, Trump’s order applies to new courthouses, agency headquarters, and any other federal public building expected to cost more than $50 million, excluding infrastructure projects or ports of entry.
“President Donald Trump is restoring beauty and pride to our nation’s federal buildings, which have been destroyed by terrible, modern architecture that is extremely unpopular,” White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers told Newsweek.
“The Founders envisioned our federal architecture to reflect American exceptionalism and inspire civic virtue. President Donald Trump is restoring American greatness to everything—even our buildings.”
Stock image: The U.S. Supreme Court building stands in Washington, D.C.
Stock image: The U.S. Supreme Court building stands in Washington, D.C.
Getty
The executive order places classical architecture—inspired by ancient Greek and Roman design—at the center of federal building policy, invoking figures such as past U.S. presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
According to the order, federal buildings should “uplift and beautify public spaces, inspire the human spirit, ennoble the United States, and command respect from the general public.” Classical architecture is now the default, with exceptions requiring justification and advance notice to the White House.
Applicable federal buildings must be “visually identifiable as civic buildings” and “respect regional architectural heritage,” the order reads. In Washington, D.C., classical architecture will be the baseline, unless “exceptional factors” require alternatives.
What Is Classical Architecture?
Architect Mark A. Sullivan, a partner at JZA+D (Joshua Zinder Architecture + Design), told Newsweek: “The fundamental physical elements of classical architecture are column, beam, and arch. Everything else builds on those. Also, proportion and discipline of thought are key to the style and approach.”
Architect Charles F. Bloszies, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and author of Old Buildings, New Designs, said: “The classic architectural style is based on the Greek Temple and has inspired Roman and Renaissance design, as well as the Classical Revival Style employed in many American civic and institutional buildings.”
Bloszies described classical buildings as “architecture’s comfort food,” adding, “Classical buildings represent power and stability, conjuring up nostalgic feelings, reminding us of seemingly simpler times.”
Architect Wayne Turett, founder of The Turett Collaborative, noted Jefferson’s own influence from France. “During the country’s founding, classical styles were prevalent … however, even his [Jefferson’s] designs incorporated some innovations and did not strictly adhere to established styles,” Turett told Newsweek. “The key point is that the early architecture of the country reflected the era in which it was created.”
Is the Style Appropriate for Today?
“No,” Bloszies said. “Most architects believe designs should represent contemporary times. A building should express its purpose but also its time.”
Turett said that classical buildings can “undoubtedly be beautiful.” However, “we should design and build structures that reflect our current times,” he added. “It is not appropriate to copy classical styles today for several reasons … this approach does not represent my vision of the kind of government I want.”
Sullivan said that, while classical buildings can be elegant, the necessary craftsmanship and materials are often lacking for their construction today. “The issue is that the modern construction workforce cannot build like that anymore,” he said, adding that most attempts end up “looking forced rather than authentic.”
“Perhaps more importantly,” Sullivan added, “the culture of our world and the current zeitgeist strive for something more than the repetition, adaptation and regurgitation of the Beaux-Arts School [the French art and architecture institution] neo-classical vocabulary.”
Practical Considerations and Long-Term Costs
From a construction standpoint, architects and the White House diverge.
Bloszies called classical design “not practical at all,” citing cost and outdated construction methods. “Buildings rendered in classical motif are expensive—old styles rely on long-lost, labor-intensive building skills. Design theory, technical innovations, and principles of sustainable design have evolved significantly since Greek times,” Bloszies said.
Turett echoed that concern: “Trying to do so would likely be very expensive. As with many imitations, attempting to replicate something often results in an inferior copy.”
Sullivan said it is “possible, but not practical,” noting that building in the classical style would place a “significant financial burden” on projects due to engineering demands, maintenance, and sustainability requirements.
However, the White House said that classical buildings, though more expensive upfront, are more durable and cost-effective over time. According to a White House official, modern styles of building are subject to much more repair and upkeep costs over time.
According to an opinion piece published in The Spectator, a newspaper at New York City’s Stuyvesant High School, which was shared by a White House official: “Building classical architecture nearly always entails the use of stone as the primary material of construction, which is more expensive and often takes longer to construct than modern alternatives—this is its major flaw.”
“Stone structures can last longer without repairs, require less routine maintenance, and are substantially more energy-efficient—in short, you get what you pay for,” The Spectator piece said.
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