Beauty Belongs in Public Life

Critics of Washington's beautification efforts misunderstand a deeper truth: beauty is not a luxury of civilization, but one of the pillars upon which it rests.

Responding to:

“Trump Is Desecrating the Lincoln Memorial, a Civic Sacred Ground“ by Lloyd Green Published in The Guardian on June 14, 2026

and

“Trump Is the Biggest Threat to D.C.’s Architectural Splendor Since the War of 1812“ by Philip Kennicott, Published in The Washington Post on March 23, 2026

The core disagreement: Beauty is not a luxury that competes with practical concerns; it is an essential public good that shapes civic identity, belonging, and human flourishing.

WHAT THEY GOT RIGHT

Concerns about preserving historic landmarks and ensuring that political leaders do not treat public spaces as personal monuments are entirely legitimate, and architecture and urban planning should always serve the public good rather than the ambitions of any individual leader. These shared spaces matter precisely because they belong to the nation, not to a temporary administration, which is why proposals affecting them deserve careful scrutiny.

WHERE THEY GO WRONG

What both critiques ultimately assume, however, is that beautification is secondary—a distraction from more important political, economic, or social priorities. Yet this reflects a profoundly modern misunderstanding of what cities are for. As humans, we do not merely inhabit systems, policies, and infrastructure, but places; and the appearance of those places influences how we feel, how we behave, and whether we develop affection for the communities to which we belong. A society that neglects beauty inevitably weakens the bonds that hold civic life together, diminishing the sense of attachment, responsibility, and stewardship that healthy communities depend upon.