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The first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar, famously declared that "I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble." With all eyes on Washington, DC, as well as the closure of the Kennedy Center, the new White House wing, the proposed grand arch, and the refurbished reflecting pool, it seems evident that President Donald Trump is attempting to leave his mark in more than just bills passed.
The Kennedy Center Sticking Point
It is no secret that critics of the president consider him a vulgarian. When he first entered the political fray, he was touted as a “reality TV star” rather than one of the men who helped shape the New York City skyline. Such an attitude is also reflected in the coastal-versus-heartland debate.
California and New York have the arts sewn up (at least for now). Those on the east and west coasts consider themselves to be in the thick of the cultural and arts movements with a snobbery that is — with recent events — coming dangerously close to a level of hubris that makes mockery of those who bask in unearned pride. Many see themselves as uniquely suited to looking down on the hoi polloi when it comes to matters of artistic value.
This, in part, explains why there has been such strong opposition to Trump’s efforts in the capital.
The revamped reflecting pool was the hot ticket story for more than a month, with headlines declaring that the 47th president had “ruined” the look and feel of the Lincoln Memorial. Reports of vandalism were dismissed by the press as cover for shoddy workmanship. And yet, in the end, even the harshest of critics were forced to admit it looked much better when completed.
And what of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts? This weekend saw thousands of protestors demanding that the president keep his hands and his name off a cherished institution. But the fact remains that the building is crumbling. Ongoing legal disputes mean it is in limbo in terms of being repaired, and as the losses (estimated in the hundreds of millions) pile up along with sections of ceiling, one wonders just how far those who claim to love the place are willing to go to stop the vulgarian president from being involved in its resurrection.
The controversial White House East Wing demolition is another structure that is in limbo. It has already been demolished, and yet lawsuits and protests continue to stop the rebuilding from taking place. It appears opponents would rather be the custodians of rubble and ashes than let Trump tie his legacy to a remodelled DC. Which brings us to another Roman ruler.
Nero Fiddles…
US presidents have long been involved in the arts. Indeed, some would argue that certain commanders-in-chief were more concerned with cultural accolades than political ones. Whether it is having A-list celebrities as regular sojourners to the White House or the campaign trail, or well-known singers and performers warming up crowds prior to what may otherwise be poorly attended rallies, presidents have sought to bask in the associated glow of stardom.
Emperor Nero was more than just a fan of the arts; he was obsessed with performance and patronage. During his infamous Greek Tour, he took part in no fewer than 1,800 competitions ranging from athletics to musical and acting performances. To the surprise of none, he won just about all of them. But it is not his art for which he is remembered.
Critics would frame Donald Trump as more Nero than Augustus. But while tying one historical character to another is often fruitless (after all, the totality of a person is not single acts), his desire to make Washington, DC, a more striking capital smacks more of Augustus than the notorious fiddler.
Performers Perform
Suetonius records Augustus’ final deathbed words as: "If I have played my part well, give applause and send me off with delight." And ultimately, this is what all presidents really want. Whether it is with grand libraries or foundations, the leaders of any nation desire just that their legacies rest on the positive side of the scale rather than the negative.
Some presidents leave their legacy in legislation, others in cultural changes, and some try to achieve immortality in the clay and marble they briefly ruled. And that may be the core reason why so many are opposed to the sweeping changes President Trump wishes to bestow on the nation’s capital.
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