WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that some of the major construction projects he has undertaken in Washington, D.C., could eventually bear his name, saying he wants to preserve the legacy and memory of his presidency.
Speaking to New York Magazine in an interview, Trump was asked about the proposed “Triumphal Arch,” one of several major projects associated with his administration. He said such a project would probably not be undertaken by a future president once he leaves office.
“I’m leaving, nobody’s going to do it,” Trump said, according to the magazine.
The proposed arch is only one of several high-profile construction initiatives linked to Trump’s presidency. Another major and controversial project is a new ballroom at the White House.
Trump has defended the ballroom despite criticism over its scale, design and the prospect of associating his name with public property. He said Americans should be grateful for the project and that he was proud of the work being carried out during his presidency.
“People should be grateful” for the ballroom, Trump said, adding that many people had advised him not to give the interview but that he was proud of his administration’s achievements.
A growing list of Trump-branded initiatives
Trump’s name has increasingly been attached not only to buildings and construction projects but also to government initiatives and other programs.
Among them are “Trump Accounts,” “TrumpRx” and the “Trump Gold Card,” a program offering a fast-track route to legal residence in the United States in exchange for a $1 million payment. The US State Department has also introduced a commemorative “Patriot Passport” featuring Trump’s image.
The US military has likewise been linked to plans for a “Trump-class” warship and an aircraft carrier reportedly named the USS Donald J. Trump.
However, the White House ballroom remains among the most prominent and expensive projects associated with Trump. The planned structure, which occupies the site of what was previously the White House East Wing, is designed with an opulent interior featuring gold-toned marble and elaborate chandeliers.
Recent designs also show a gold-colored exterior finish, adding to the project’s highly ornate appearance.
Legal challenges and controversy
Trump has already faced legal challenges over efforts to attach his name or reshape prominent public sites and institutions. Disputes have included changes involving the Kennedy Center and its campus, renovations to a popular golf course in the capital and work on the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
The projects have fueled a broader debate over presidential legacy, the use of public property for personal branding and the limits of executive authority.
Trump, however, has continued to defend his approach, arguing that the projects will leave a lasting mark on Washington and his presidency.
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