As the war with Iran grinds on, President Trump finds reprieve by focusing on renovation projects throughout Washington, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. "He loves to build," Mr. Lutnick said outside a Washington courthouse. "Late at night, 11 o'clock at night, he calls me and wants to talk about things he's building, because it's fun for him."

The Supreme Court gave Mr. Trump approval to proceed with construction of the White House ballroom. The administration planned to begin excavation work for a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery even before a federal review panel approved it. The Kennedy Center board, stocked with the president's loyalists, voted to add Mr. Trump's name below the main sign on the building and removed a large outdoor sculpture, "Blue," from the grounds.

Mr. Trump's primary background is in construction and real estate. In New York City, he often lamented zoning regulations and permits. "You mean I can actually do something that I really want?" Mr. Trump told donors. His breakneck makeover efforts have illustrated the administration's willingness to sidestep laws, including tearing down the historic East Wing without Congressional approval. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said, "President Trump can walk and chew gum at the same time."