Trump’s DC makeover frenzy bewilders locals and visitors: ‘It’s like we’re under occupation’

From East Wing demolition and ‘restoration’ of reflecting pool to bridge and fountain renovations, US capital is ‘a different city right now’ On the edge of Lafayette Square, a landmark park near the White House, a scuffed sign proclaimed: “We are making DC safe and beautiful.” Julie, visiting Washington DC with her husband, Robert, to celebrate their recent marriage, was unconvinced. “The irony,” she said. “It’s neither safe, nor beautiful.” Continue reading...

Robert Tait in Washington DC · Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 2:00 AM
US news | The Guardian

Trump’s DC makeover frenzy bewilders locals and visitors: ‘It’s like we’re under occupation’

From East Wing demolition and ‘restoration’ of reflecting pool to bridge and fountain renovations, US capital is ‘a different city right now’

On the edge of Lafayette Square, a landmark park near the White House, a scuffed sign proclaimed: “We are making DC safe and beautiful.”

Julie, visiting Washington DC with her husband, Robert, to celebrate their recent marriage, was unconvinced. “The irony,” she said. “It’s neither safe, nor beautiful.”

This page shows an excerpt; reporting belongs to the original publisher. Some images or embeds may be omitted compared with the live article.