The Rush-Job Presidency
Trump wants his ballroom and arch done while he’s in office. There’s a risk.
Donald Trump's administration seems capable of constructing buildings at breakneck speed in Washington, D.C. The National Park Service and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum have announced plans to complete a triumphal arch and renovate the Kennedy Center in just two years, respectively. Both projects aim for a January 2029 completion date, just before Trump leaves office.
These ambitious timelines come with the risk of shoddy work requiring later repairs. Trump has less than three years to complete his projects before a new administration takes over. His enthusiasm for grandiose designs and materials may be incompatible with future presidents. To expedite construction, Trump's team has found ways to bypass typical federal project obstacles.
Construction, already known as one of the world's least productive industries, demands a delicate balance. While longer hours and additional shifts can speed up projects, they also often lead to mistakes, higher costs, and additional delays. The Reflecting Pool's construction mishap in July 2025 serves as a cautionary tale. The Supreme Court ruled the project could continue, despite preservationists' efforts to halt it.
Trump has defended the ballroom project, stating it will be "substantially" finished by November. However, the project's original $200 million cost has ballooned to $600 million, with taxpayers expected to cover half the bill. The accelerated construction approach may come with hidden costs and risks, even as Trump pushes for rapid completion.
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