New GOP Bill Aims to Support Traditional Architecture

A new bill backed by the GOP is set to formalize President Trump’s recent executive order aimed at promoting classic and traditional architectural styles for federal buildings. The intention is to, in a sense, make American architecture “great” again.

Recently, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) introduced this legislation, asserting that the federal government should prioritize traditional designs in its buildings. According to Banks, “Americans want federal buildings to reflect the strength, beauty, and traditions of our nation. This bill ensures that our architecture celebrates our history and includes local opinions from our community.” It’s clear there’s a strong desire to connect architecture to national heritage.

This legislation follows Trump’s executive order from last month, which advocated for architectural styles inspired by ancient Greece and Rome. Supporters of this direction argue that these classic designs pay tribute to the democracies of those ancient civilizations.

Specifically, Trump’s order applies to new construction projects with budgets exceeding $50 million. Interestingly, it also opens the door for exceptions that allow for “brutal” or “deconstructive” designs, unless the president disapproves.

Brutalist architecture is known for its stark, geometric shapes, while deconstructionism focuses on fragmented and often chaotic designs. The bills put forth by Banks and Kiley reflect a clear intention to favor classical styles over these more modernist approaches. Kiley emphasized that too often, federal buildings have been marked by cold and impersonal designs that overlook the beauty grounded in the Republic’s history. He expressed hope that this bill would reinstate the classic spirit of democracy in federal architecture. It’s an interesting perspective on how buildings can influence civic identity.

The bill aims to permanently revise the principles that guide federal architecture, further institutionalizing a preference for traditional designs. Interestingly, it also promotes community involvement in these decisions, which could add a valuable local perspective.

Historically, classic designs have featured prominently in significant government buildings, like the U.S. Capitol and the White House. However, shifts occurred during the 1960s when Daniel Patrick Moynihan crafted guidelines that favored contemporary architecture over traditional forms. Currently, a mere 8% of structures built under the U.S. General Services Administration’s Design Excellence Program utilize classic designs.

Polls indicate that about 72% of Americans favor classic architectural styles for federal buildings. That’s a substantial majority, suggesting a public appetite for a return to traditional design aesthetics.

Previously, Banks has actively sought legislation supporting classic designs, such as during his tenure in 2023 when he championed the “Beautiful Federal Citizens’ Building Act.” His efforts reflect a consistent commitment to blend architectural choices with national identity. In July, he even introduced a bill that codified another executive order focused on federal-funded museum orientation, showcasing an ongoing push to solidify these principles into law.