President Donald Trump is quietly transforming Washington’s federal landscape, renaming institutions and overhauling historic sites with his own branding. The White House is undergoing a $4.2 million renovation to add a 4,000-square-foot ballroom, described by Trump as a ‘gift’ to the nation. The project includes a drone-proof roof and military-grade security features, according to administration officials familiar with the plans.

The president has also directed the renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the Trump Kennedy Center, a move critics call an unprecedented politicization of a cultural landmark. The United States Institute of Peace, previously a neutral federal agency, has been rebranded as the Donald J. Trump United States Institute of Peace, with its new signage installed last month.

Administration insiders say the rebranding campaign is part of a broader strategy to embed Trump’s name in federal infrastructure. The White House ballroom, expected to host state dinners and diplomatic events, will feature gold-accented décor and a 50-foot ceiling. The drone-proofing measures include radar jamming technology and reinforced steel beams, according to a draft budget document obtained by this paper.

Historians and preservation groups have condemned the renaming as erasing legacy, but Trump allies argue it reflects a new era of leadership. The Kennedy Center’s board, now under new appointees, approved the change without public debate. ‘This is about making America’s institutions great again,’ said a senior White House advisor who requested anonymity.

The Trump Institute of Peace, previously dedicated to conflict resolution, now includes a new ‘America First’ wing focused on trade and military alliances. The institute’s website has been updated to feature Trump’s portrait alongside its mission statement, a move that has drawn criticism from former diplomats.

Security experts warn the drone-proofing measures in the White House ballroom could set a precedent for future federal building upgrades, potentially costing taxpayers tens of millions. ‘This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating a fortress state,’ said a former Secret Service agent who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump’s rebranding push extends beyond Washington. In New York, the former Trump SoHo hotel has been rebranded as The SoHo Trump, with a new gold-trimmed facade. The move comes as the president prepares for his 2024 re-election campaign, where he has vowed to ‘make federal buildings beautiful again.’

As the renovations progress, the White House has declined to provide a timeline for the ballroom’s completion, citing ‘security concerns.’ The Trump Kennedy Center, however, is set to reopen next month with a gala featuring performances by country stars and a keynote speech from the president.