"We're going to be asking for 2 billion dollars from congress, and congress will be very happy to do it. We're going to spend it wisely," US President Donald Trump said in a press conference on 22/8, referring to efforts to "beautify" the capital, Washington.
Trump plans to award a contract to Clark Construction to renovate the lighting system and beautify Washington's streets within a 5 km radius of the Capitol Building and the White House. It is unclear whether this contract will undergo a bidding process.
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US President Donald Trump at the White House, 22/8. Photo: AFP |
US President Donald Trump at the White House, 22/8. Photo: AFP
"The streets haven't been clean, now they will be. It's going to be beautiful. You look at these lampposts, they're all rusted. You look at so many things. We're going to make this beautiful within the next 12 months. The streets are going to be repaved," the US President said, accusing Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser of neglecting the city's upkeep.
Mayor Bowser's office declined to comment on the President's proposal.
Due to Washington's special constitutional status, the US Congress has the final say on the city's laws and budget.
Trump's renovation plan comes as his administration is implementing a federal anti-crime initiative, deploying police, military personnel, and the FBI to patrol the capital.
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National Guard patrol outside the US Capitol Building in Washington. Photo: AFP |
National Guard patrol outside the US Capitol Building in Washington. Photo: AFP
Duc Trung (CBS News, Washington Post)
