Banners have been hung at construction sites across Washington D.C. to express gratitude to President Donald Trump for the glut of building projects taking over the nation’s capital at his behest.
“Thank you, President Trump,” read the six-foot, sky-blue banners complete with a photo of the president in a hard hat.
The Independent discovered a banner on the Columbus Circle renovation in front of Union Station. Others have been spotted on construction sites in Logan Circle, just north of the White House.
It is unclear how many banners have been hung and their cost.The Independent contacted the Interior Department to ask why the banners were put up, who by and how much they cost but received no answers to those questions.
“President Donald J. Trump has brought a builder’s expertise to strengthening and revitalizing Washington, D.C. His leadership is reflected in historically low crime rates and ongoing improvements to fountains and other iconic landmarks across the capital,” a department spokesperson told The Independent.
“This administration is delivering on its commitments, and we are proud to recognize the President’s efforts to enhance and prepare our nation’s capital ahead of the 250th anniversary celebration.”
Trump has forged ahead with major new projects ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary this year, including the refurbishment of many outdoor and public spaces to the chagrin of many residents. His attempt to bulldoze a local golf course prompted two avid golfers to launch legal action against the administration.
The former real estate developer has launched a number of ambitious projects in his second term including his $400 million White House ballroom for which he demolished part of the historic East Wing. The plans for a huge triumphal arch have drawn complaints and a separate lawsuit.
Construction is also taking place at the iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where a new ocean-blue swimming pool coating is being applied to the base, supposedly to make it appear more clean. Trump has previously said that the pool “never looked great.”
Last month the president revealed that the contractor hired to do work on the historic monument had also built pools at his Trump hotels and residential towers, telling reporters: “I have a guy who’s unbelievable at doing swimming pools up the road.”
Last month Trump suggested the formation of a new $10 billion fund for construction and beautification projects around Washington D.C.
“As the capital of the greatest Nation in the history of the world, Washington, D.C., should showcase beautiful, clean, and safe public spaces,” a White House budget document, proposing the program, stated. It added that the city showed “signs of decay,” due to heavy public use and “inadequate maintenance.”
