Trump's Grand Designs and Diplomatic Shifts
Size is a paramount concern for Donald Trump, who consistently seeks to break existing structures—whether they are historic buildings domestically or longstanding international relationships—to erect larger, more impressive edifices that reflect his monumental ego. This pattern has played out vividly in his interactions with global leaders and his ambitious domestic projects.
From Cold Shoulder to Warm Embrace with India
In a notable shift, Trump initially distanced himself from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, overlooking the camaraderie of events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump.' This coldness stemmed from Modi's failure to acknowledge Trump's role in resolving India-Pakistan conflicts, compounded by punitive tariffs imposed on India for its purchases of Russian oil. However, just days after New Delhi secured a significant trade agreement with the European Union, Trump announced a preliminary India-U.S. trade deal that reduces reciprocal U.S. tariffs from 25% to 18%. He attributed this move to "friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi," whom he praised on Truth Social as "one of my greatest friends and a Powerful and Respected Leader of his Country." Trump emphasized their shared ability to "GET THINGS DONE," a trait he claims is rare among leaders.
To underscore this renewed alliance, Trump shared the India Today cover for Newsmakers of the Year 2025, featuring back-to-back images of the two leaders under the title 'The Mover & The Shaker.' He also posted a photo of India Gate, calling it "India's beautiful Triumphal Arch," but could not resist boasting that his proposed "Independence Arch" would surpass it, declaring, "Ours will be the greatest of them all!"
Monumental Architectural Ambitions
The former real estate mogul, who often describes himself as having "a construction job" alongside his presidential duties, is now fixated on his proposed "Independence Arch," which is planned to soar 250 feet tall. This height would more than double that of the Lincoln Memorial and tower over the 70-foot-high White House. According to a Washington Post report, Trump justifies this dimension with the slogan "250 for 250," framing it as a tribute to the nation's milestone anniversary. He has dismissed smaller designs, such as 165-foot and 123-foot versions shared with supporters last year, as inadequate.
Funding for this project is expected to come from leftover private donations from Trump's White House ballroom initiative, which itself has escalated in scale with a $400 million price tag. Trump has doubled down on this expansion by releasing renderings of the ballroom, which will replace the historic East Wing he demolished. He asserts it will match the "height and scale" of the main building, proclaiming it "the much anticipated White House Ballroom — The Greatest of its kind ever built!" This vision led to the dismissal of an architect who reportedly opposed making it taller than the White House.
Cultural and Controversial Endeavors
Trump's ambitions extend beyond architecture. He plans to install a statue of Christopher Columbus on the south side of the White House grounds, reconstructing one from Baltimore that was thrown into the harbor by protesters in 2020. Additionally, he has set his sights on the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which he rebranded as the Trump-Kennedy Center. After facing cancellations from performers and plummeting ticket sales, Trump announced an unexpected two-year closure starting July 4 for renovations, aiming to transform it into "the finest Performing Arts Facility of its kind, anywhere in the World." He argued that closure was the fastest route to achieving "the highest level of Success, Beauty, and Grandeur," describing the center as "tired, broken and dilapidated."
This decision followed the premiere of 'Melania,' a documentary criticized as 'Amazon's trumped-up documentary,' for which the First Lady received $75 million. The film's surprise box office success became fodder for late-night comedians.
Navigating Controversies and Confrontations
As the ghost of Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced with the release of new 'Epstein files,' Trump distanced himself from the convicted sex offender, blaming "a SLEAZEBAG lying 'author' named Michael Wolff" for conspiring to damage his presidency. He threatened lawsuits against "the Radical Left," insisting, "unlike so many people that like to 'talk' trash, I never went to the infested Epstein island but, almost all of these Crooked Democrats, and their Donors, did." Trump also threatened to sue comedian Trevor Noah over a Grammy Awards joke alleging he visited Epstein's island, calling it "false and defamatory."
However, a question from CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins about the Epstein files in the Oval Office rattled him. Trump cut her off, labeling Collins "the worst reporter" who never "smiles," and accused her of dishonesty. This echoed a previous incident in December when he called her "stupid and nasty" for inquiring about the cost of the new White House ballroom.
Racist Video and Defensive Posturing
Trump capped the week by sharing a racist video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, set to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." The clip was part of a 62-second video promoting conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election. Although he removed it after backlash from members of his own party, Trump declined to apologize, insisting "I didn't make a mistake." His press secretary defended the video as "an internet meme video depicting President Trump as the King of the Jungle and Democrats as characters from the Lion King," urging critics to "stop the fake outrage" and focus on issues that matter to the American public.
Through these actions, Trump continues to blend grand architectural visions with volatile diplomatic and cultural maneuvers, all while navigating a landscape of controversy and confrontation.
