Photo by Botond Czapp on Unsplash
In recent years, it felt like every day was a constant fight to stop the left’s destruction of our historical statues and monuments we already had. But how times have changed! The Trump Administration’s second entrance has brought with it a new zeal to honor American history. They plan to accomplish this not just in the restoration of statues torn down, but in erecting new monuments in the classical architecture that defines our American founding.
You see, debates about public architecture are ultimately debates about truth, history, and the values a civilization chooses to elevate. This year, Trump has renewed interest in building a “triumphal arch” in the nation’s capital that is tied to America’s 250th anniversary. This arch, and other priority projects of the Trump White House, has opened a bigger cultural argument about whether the United States should even celebrate our historic achievements and success.
Classical and neoclassical architecture have historically been rooted in ideas of order, permanence, and objective beauty. These traditions are grounded in the belief that certain forms reflect universal truths — truths about proportion, harmony, even about human nature itself. In stark contrast to the classical is the postmodern movement and its brutalist style. Postmodernism rejects the idea that beauty and meaning can be universal. The post-modernist insists that cultural symbols are merely subjective and open to constant change. That mindset leads not only to abandoning historical monuments and standards, but in rejecting and reinterpreting our entire national story.
Projects like the proposed triumphal arch stand as a rejection of postmodern relativism. Our nation, our home, is worthy of commemoration. The use of classical design is intentional, and it signals the continuity of our Western heritage and traditions. Yes – objective standards are real and they are woven into our American identity. Projects like this aren’t mere nostalgia, but a reflection of the foundation upon which we are built.
As we prepare to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial of 250 years, the debate over architecture represents two competing worldviews. One believes that history, culture, and beauty should be objectively understood and celebrated. The other wants such symbols and the values they celebrate to be destroyed. Trump’s push for classical design reflects his belief, and ours, that American civilization is worth honoring. A nation confident in its identity should not hesitate to display it publicly!
We will always honor our history and heritage at the Phyllis Schlafly Report. Join with us at PhyllisSchlafly.com – that’s PhyllisSchlafly.com.
