Perspectives: The Plan to 'Make Federal Buildings Beautiful Again'

An executive order has been drafted that, if signed into law by President Trump, would require federal buildings in Washington and many other parts of the U.S. to be built with inspiration from Greek and Roman architecture, similar to the White House. The idea has drawn praise from some on the right, who argue that classical architecture endures for millennia and is good for civic life because people will want to dwell around it. Many on the left criticized the idea, arguing that limiting architectural styling options for federal construction could negatively impact the nation's culture. Others on the right criticized voices who framed the order as racist, fascist, or totalitarian.