Trump’s $2 billion DC ‘beautification’ plan forcing fiscal hawks to stomach more spending

Published September 4, 2025 7:00am ET



President Donald Trump’s hope to funnel federal funds to “beautify” the nation’s capital with new streets, infrastructure, and crime prevention efforts is facing resistance from conservatives in Congress who are concerned about the national debt.

Budget hawks are offering tepid support for the $2 billion price tag for a liberal town they frequently criticize as mismanaged, saying the money would be contingent on spending cuts elsewhere and oversight guardrails on local officials.

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