President Trump has bulldozed through obstacles as he works to remake the face of Washington, D.C. Now, newly empowered Democrats and angry judges are setting up a high-stakes showdown that could slow or reshape his construction agenda.
The push has moved quickly, with major projects advancing despite resistance from local officials, preservationists and others who question the scope and cost of the changes. Critics argue that the speed of the effort has sidestepped normal review processes.
The outcome may depend heavily on the courts and on the balance of power in Congress. Democrats who gained influence in recent elections are expected to press for greater oversight of federal spending and planning decisions in the capital, while judges weighing legal challenges could halt or delay work already underway.
For now, the administration shows no sign of backing away from its vision for the city. Whether that vision survives the coming legal and political fights remains an open question, and the next several months are likely to determine how much of the original plan can move forward.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing