President Trump’s vanity projects in the nation’s capital have drawn comparisons to Oscar Wilde’s novel, ‘The Picture of Dorian Grey.’ In Wilde’s cautionary tale, the anti-hero trades his soul to appear forever young while only his portrait reflects his physical and moral corruption.
Trump’s Capital Beautification Projects
Donald Trump’s artistic aspirations seem to betray a similar deal. The President considers himself a master artist and has made significant changes to iconic landmarks, including the White House Rose Garden and the Kennedy Center. His plan for a faux Arc De Triomphe has raised concerns about the impact on the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.
Trump’s recent renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has also been criticized. Initially, he boasted that the project would cost $1.8 million and take one week to complete. However, the final cost was over $14 million, and the project has been plagued by problems, including leaks, floating strips of paint, and a green algae coating.
Despite the issues, Trump has denied responsibility for the mess, blaming non-existent vandals. The project’s failure has been seen as a reflection of Trump’s character, with many criticizing his handling of the situation.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
