New Task Force for Infrastructure Beautification Announced
The Trump administration is launching a unique task force intended to herald a new “Golden Age” of aesthetically pleasing infrastructure in the United States.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is set to reveal the Beautification and Transportation Infrastructure Council (BTIC) on Thursday, as reported exclusively by a news source. This council aims to provide guidance to Transport Secretary Sean Duffy on design and policy strategies for major infrastructure projects, which will cover highways, bridges, and transportation hubs.
Duffy expressed his sentiments in a statement, saying, “What happened to our nation’s proud tradition of building great, big, beautiful things?” He emphasized the need for America’s latest infrastructure endeavors to mirror the country’s values of strength, pride, and promise.
“We are gathering the most brilliant minds in architecture and engineering to craft structures that not only inspire but also usher in this new golden age of transportation,” Duffy added.
The DOT is inviting the nation’s top architects, urban planners, and artists to put forth nominations for council members. BTIC will provide insights on projects that enhance public spaces while also developing metrics for aesthetic performance, all the while ensuring that safety and efficiency are prioritized.
This new initiative aligns with an executive order signed by President Trump in August 2025 concerning infrastructure development. The order, titled “Make Federal Architecture Beautiful Again,” mandates that federal buildings respect local architectural heritage and aims to steer clear of modernist or brutalist designs, favoring classical styles instead.
The directive states, “The Founders, in keeping with the great societies that came before them, placed great importance on the civic architecture of the Union.” It highlights the intention behind America’s public buildings: to inspire citizens and promote civic virtue.
The order further notes that President George Washington and Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson designed Washington, D.C.’s major structures after the classical architecture of ancient Athens and Rome. It underscores that classical and traditional design is preferred due to its demonstrated effectiveness in meeting these standards.
Since Trump’s return to office, the Department of Transportation has allocated millions toward significant infrastructure projects. Notably, Duffy introduced a $43 million transformation initiative for New York City’s Penn Station in August, followed by updates on revitalization efforts for Washington Union Station in September.
The BTIC will include up to 11 members who will serve two-year terms with potential reappointment. The council will convene twice annually, and nominations must be submitted by November 21st.
