US President Donald Trump's ambitious projects to reshape parts of Washington, DC, are likely to face increased scrutiny and obstacles as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress following their strong performance in the midterm elections.
In his first public appearance after the election, Trump focused on his plans to transform the capital rather than addressing the political setback. He toured the under-construction White House ballroom on Wednesday, discussing its columns, steel beams and Corinthian designs. Before the election, he had also highlighted renovation work on the reflecting pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Trump's projects include renaming and renovating the Kennedy Center, rebuilding a public golf course, constructing a 250-foot (76-metre) memorial arch and developing the National Garden of American Heroes. Democrats have repeatedly criticised these initiatives, but their influence was limited while Republicans controlled Congress.
With Democrats gaining control, congressional oversight is expected to intensify. Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said the party would use its investigative powers to examine possible wrongdoing, ensure accountability and protect public interests.
Democratic Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia has also opposed Trump's proposed memorial arch at Memorial Circle, across the Memorial Bridge from the Lincoln Memorial. His spokesman Aaron Fritschner said Democrats would use their control over the appropriations process, beginning Jan 3, to challenge the administration's projects.
The change in congressional leadership will also affect the appointment of the House general counsel, who is responsible for legal matters involving the chamber.
The National Capital Planning Commission approved the proposed 250-foot arch by an 8-4 vote following a public hearing that lasted 9½ hours on Thursday. More than 120 witnesses participated, with many opposing the project, arguing that it would undermine the solemnity of nearby Arlington National Cemetery.
The commission's Trump-appointed chairman, however, praised the proposed monument and the president's initiative.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan is considering a request from three veterans and an architectural historian to halt construction until a lawsuit challenging the project is resolved. The District of Columbia and Virginia have also filed a separate lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order, which has been consolidated with the existing case.
Meanwhile, another legal dispute involves the East Potomac Golf Links. US District Judge Ana Reyes has announced plans for a formal inquiry into whether Trump administration lawyers crossed ethical boundaries during the litigation over the project.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represents plaintiffs in several cases, said congressional oversight would provide an additional means of challenging the administration beyond the courts. She expects Democrats to investigate project funding, expenditures and other executive decisions.
Financial details of several projects remain unclear. However, estimates disclosed during legal proceedings indicate that seawall work at the golf course could cost more than $300 million. Congress previously allocated $257 million for the Kennedy Center renovation.
According to Associated Press figures, the incoming Congress will have 54 Democratic senators and 237 representatives, compared with 44 Republicans and 147 representatives currently in office.
The political changes could also affect the deployment of National Guard personnel in Washington. Texas, Georgia, Iowa and Nevada will have Democratic governors following Tuesday's elections. Together, the states account for more than 600 National Guard members involved in Trump's mobilisation order issued in August 2025.
Democratic-led states that previously contributed troops for the United States' 250th anniversary celebrations faced criticism over their participation and withdrew their troops and airmen months ago. Nearly 3,100 National Guard members remain deployed in Washington, slightly more than the previous month.