Share and Follow
In an appearance on News Daily, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted the Trump administration’s efforts to revitalize fountains, monuments, and parks in Washington, D.C. He emphasized that the previous state of disrepair was, in essence, a choice that the current administration chose to change.
Burgum credited President Trump for spearheading these improvements as part of preparations for the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. Washington, D.C., he noted, is predominantly Democratic, with registered Republicans making up about five percent of the population. Despite this, the administration has prioritized enhancing the capital’s public spaces.
“In a city where the National Park Service manages various parks, President Trump saw no reason to accept the status quo of squalor and homelessness,” Burgum stated. He pointed out that under Trump’s leadership, 152 homeless camps were removed, with a focus on providing support and services to those affected. According to Burgum, this effort has largely gone unnoticed by the mainstream media.
“The public can enjoy these spaces daily, but living there is not an option. We’re committed to helping individuals find alternative accommodations,” Burgum explained. He mentioned that the restoration of landmarks, such as fountains that had been defunct for decades, has been met with widespread public appreciation. President Trump reportedly received more positive feedback on these restorations than any other presidential initiative.
“Regardless of political affiliation, D.C. residents recognize that beauty is a choice,” Burgum added. “This is a stunning city with magnificent monuments, and as we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation, President Trump’s commitment to its care is evident.”
“He understands about pride in our country, and what that means, and we talk about the reflecting pool between Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial. It reflects more than just the images of those two incredible memorials. It’s reflecting on the history of our country. It reflects on us as a country,” he said, explaining that they want people to come to the capital and see the beauty of America — not a dump.
“When we rededicated the Columbus fountain last week in front of Union Square, 16 months ago [it] was a homeless camp with protests,” Burgum said.
The fountain itself was covered in pro-Hamas graffiti, he noted, reminding listeners that those images were not AI.
“The complete 180 degree turnaround is being received by every resident of D.C., and President Trump showing it’s a model for every one of our big blue metros in the country, you know, including LA. It’s just a choice,” the Interior Secretary said. “Just go get it done.”
Burgum also highlighted the restoration of Meridian Hill Park’s cascading fountain as host Mike Slater mentioned the number of residents flocking to it now that it is operational.
“It hadn’t had water for decades,” Burgum said.
Some residents did not even know it was a fountain.
“It was in such disrepair, overgrown again, homeless camps,” he said, adding that he and his wife walked there over the weekend and saw signs of life — residents gathering, eating, and trashcans overflowing now that it is cleaned up. There are now ten times more visitors, he revealed.
“It is a choice. Leadership is a choice. Living in beauty is a choice, as opposed to living in squalor. We don’t have to accept this as Americans of this greatest country in the world, which it is, with all the abundance and all the freedoms we have, so many things for which to be grateful,” Burgum added, reemphasizing that every American in every city deserves to live in a beautiful place that is safe.
Burgum added that this should serve as an example of Trump’s leadership ahead of the upcoming Freedom 250 celebrations.
LISTEN:
– News Daily airs on SiriusXM Patriot 125 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Eastern.