Trump’s Makeover: Soldiers, Banners, and a Blue Pool in Washington

WASHINGTON (AP) — America is celebrating its 250th year. But visitors to Washington, D.C., will find a city changed by President Donald Trump. Since returning to office 17 months ago, Trump has put his name on buildings, torn down old structures, started new construction, and deployed armed soldiers. The traditional sights are still there. But a walk through the city shows how the president is remaking the capital. **First stop: Soldiers at the train station** At Union Station and Metro Center, the main transit hubs, armed National Guard troops are now a common sight. They have been in the city since August 2025 under an emergency order from Trump to fight crime. The deployment is open-ended. Around 5,000 troops are expected this summer. **Second stop: An empty government building** Near the Capitol building is the former headquarters of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This was the first major agency targeted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting effort. The agency, which spent billions on humanitarian aid, was shut down. Tens of thousands of workers lost their jobs. The government cut about $60 billion in foreign aid. **Third stop: The president’s face on buildings** Banners with Trump’s image now hang on several government buildings. This is rare for a sitting president. At the Justice Department, his face looks out from the building. This is seen as a symbol of his control over the agency that once investigated him. **Next: A blue reflecting pool and a planned arch** The Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial has been painted "American flag blue." Trump called the area "filthy." The pool has since had problems with algae and torn linings. Across the river, Trump plans to build a 20-story, gold-covered arch. The project is in court, but survey work has started. The arch would break the sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House. **The Kennedy Center and the White House** The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was briefly renamed to include Trump's name. A court blocked the change, but a tarp still covers the building. At the White House, the East Wing has been torn down to make way for a new ballroom. The project costs $400 million, paid by private donors, but public money will pay for security. The Rose Garden, planted by Jackie Kennedy, has been paved over. **Last stop: Black Lives Matter Plaza is gone** The street near the White House once called Black Lives Matter Plaza is no more. The city removed the name and the large yellow painting in March 2025. Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered the change after Congress threatened to hold the city’s funding. The traditional tourist sights remain. But Washington is now a city of soldiers, banners, and a blue reflecting pool.