A hulking 250-foot triumphal arch embellished in gold. A reflecting pool now tinted dark blue. Decorative fountains scattered across the capital that cost tens of millions of dollars to renovate.
President Trump, who has long leaned into his roots as a real estate developer, has started renovation projects around Washington as he looks to remake the capital in his own image. To address criticisms of ballooning costs and preservation concerns, Mr. Trump has insisted that the initiatives have historic precedent and represent his prowess at deal-making and instinct to take action.
