President Donald Trump has signed a comprehensive executive order mandating that traditional and classical architecture become the "preferred" and "default" style for all major new federal buildings across the United States, with particular emphasis on Washington, D.C. The order, officially titled "Making Federal Architecture Beautiful Again," represents a dramatic shift away from decades of modernist architectural practices and revives aesthetic principles rooted in America's early republic.

The executive order, signed on August 28, applies to new courthouses, federal agency headquarters, and any other federal public building with an expected construction cost exceeding $50 million. Infrastructure projects and ports of entry are excluded from these requirements. According to the directive, federal buildings must be "visually identifiable as civic buildings" and "respect regional architectural heritage," with classical architecture serving as the baseline in Washington, D.C., unless "exceptional factors" require alternatives.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers defended the policy, stating that "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." She added that "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."

The executive order places classical architecture—inspired by ancient Greek and Roman design principles—at the center of federal building policy, invoking historical figures such as 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." Any exceptions to the classical style requirement must be justified with advance notice provided to the White House.

Architect Mark A. Sullivan, a partner at JZAD (Joshua Zinder Architecture & Design), explained the fundamental elements of classical architecture to 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." Charles F. Bloszies, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and author of "Old Buildings, New Designs," described classical architecture as "architecture's comfort food," noting that "Classical buildings represent power and stability, conjuring up nostalgic feelings, reminding us of seemingly simpler times."

However, architectural professionals have expressed significant skepticism about implementing classical design in contemporary contexts. Bloszies firmly stated "No" when asked if the style is appropriate for today, explaining that "Most architects believe designs should represent contemporary times. A building should express its purpose but also its time." Wayne Turett, founder of The Turett Collaborative, echoed this sentiment, arguing that "we should design and build structures that reflect our current times" and that "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."

Practical concerns about construction feasibility and costs have emerged as major issues. Sullivan pointed out that "the modern construction workforce cannot build like that anymore," suggesting that most attempts would end up "looking forced rather than authentic." He emphasized that while classical buildings can be elegant, "the necessary craftsmanship and materials are often lacking for their construction today." Bloszies called classical design "not practical at all," citing expensive costs and outdated construction methods that rely on "long-lost, labor-intensive building skills."

The financial implications of the order have sparked debate between architects and the White House. Turett warned that attempting to replicate classical architecture "would likely be very expensive" and that "attempting to replicate something often results in an inferior copy." Sullivan described building in the classical style as "possible, but not practical," noting it would place a "significant financial burden" on projects due to engineering demands, maintenance, and sustainability requirements.

The White House, however, maintains that classical buildings, despite higher upfront costs, prove more cost-effective over time due to their durability. A White House official argued that modern building styles require significantly more repair and maintenance costs over their lifespan. An opinion piece from The Spectator at New York City's Stuyvesant High School, shared by White House officials, supported this view, stating that "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."

Sullivan raised broader cultural concerns about the policy, arguing that "the culture of our world and the current zeitgeist strive for something more than the repetition, adaptation and regurgitation of the Beaux-Arts School neo-classical vocabulary." He suggested that contemporary architecture should reflect modern values and innovations rather than simply copying historical styles. The debate highlights fundamental questions about whether government architecture should prioritize historical continuity or contemporary expression in representing American values and democratic ideals.