GOP Applauds Trump’s DC Clean Up

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum is praising President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape Washington, D.C., arguing that improvements in public safety, infrastructure and the appearance of the nation’s capital could provide a model for other American cities.

Burgum highlighted the changes Saturday as Washington prepared for a historic street race expected to send high-powered cars racing through some of the most recognizable streets in the United States.

The Interior secretary said the rapid transformation surrounding the event shows what government can accomplish when leaders make results a priority.

“What an example for America,” Burgum said during an appearance on Newsmax’s America Right Now.

He pointed to the temporary racing circuit, which he said was constructed in approximately three weeks.

Burgum then offered a pointed comparison with infrastructure problems that have frustrated residents of cities across the country.

“We’ve got cities in America that, you know, can’t fix a pothole in three years,” he said.

Historic Auto Race Comes to Washington, D.C.

The race will bring high-speed motorsports directly into the heart of the nation’s capital, with cars expected to approach 200 mph along famous Washington streets.

The course incorporates major roads near some of America’s most recognizable landmarks, including Pennsylvania Avenue and Independence Avenue.

Burgum said officials are preparing for potentially enormous crowds, with as many as 1 million people expected to visit Washington over the race weekend.

Hosting a high-speed race on ordinary city streets requires extensive preparation.

According to Burgum, crews have installed concrete barriers and tall safety fencing along the circuit. Workers have also taken the unusual step of securing manhole covers to prevent the powerful aerodynamic forces created by passing race cars from pulling them loose.

The event gives the Trump administration an opportunity to showcase Washington before a massive national audience while highlighting the capital during America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Burgum Says Washington Cleanup Is Producing Results

The Interior secretary said the racing event is only one part of a much broader transformation taking place across Washington.

Burgum pointed to cleanup and restoration work around the National Mall and other federal areas of the city.

According to Burgum, 153 homeless encampments have been addressed, roughly 1,000 instances of graffiti have been removed and more than 50 monuments and statues have been restored.

He also said 22 fountains that had been out of operation have been returned to service.

“The place looks beautiful,” Burgum said.

The changes could be especially noticeable to Americans who have visited Washington repeatedly over the years and are familiar with the monuments, fountains and public spaces surrounding the National Mall.

For the Trump administration, the improvements are also part of a larger argument about government accountability: public spaces funded and maintained for the American people should be clean, safe and properly maintained.

Burgum Praises Washington Crime Numbers

Public safety was another major focus of Burgum’s remarks.

The Interior secretary said Washington’s recent crime statistics compare favorably with those of many other American cities, crediting the administration’s emphasis on restoring order in the capital.

Burgum expressed frustration with critics of Trump’s policies, arguing that reducing crime and improving public spaces should not be controversial.

“If you care about this country, if you care about the safety of the people that live here, everybody should be on board with the idea of making every one of our cities safe and beautiful,” he said.

Burgum argued that Americans should not have to accept persistent crime, graffiti, homelessness and deteriorating public spaces as inevitable features of major cities.

Burgum argued that Americans should not have to accept major cities plagued by deteriorating conditions, widespread graffiti, crime and homelessness.

His comments touch on an issue that has become increasingly important in national politics: whether government officials can improve quality of life by focusing more aggressively on basic services, law enforcement and maintenance of public property.

Could Washington Become a Model for Other American Cities?

Burgum’s argument goes beyond the appearance of the nation’s capital.

The Interior secretary suggested Washington could demonstrate what is possible when political leaders prioritize public safety, infrastructure and the condition of public spaces.

For taxpayers frustrated by potholes, neglected parks, graffiti and other visible signs of government dysfunction, that message could resonate well beyond Washington.

The administration’s approach also raises a broader question for local leaders around the country: If major projects can be completed quickly in the nation’s capital, why should Americans accept years of delays for basic improvements in their own communities?

That question could become increasingly important as voters continue focusing on crime, government spending, infrastructure and the everyday quality of life in their communities.

Trump Administration Defends Changes to Utah National Monuments

Burgum also addressed the Trump administration’s approach to federal land management, including Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah.

The Interior secretary defended reducing the size of the monument designations, arguing that federal law calls for protected areas to encompass the minimum acreage necessary to preserve the objects covered by a monument declaration.

Burgum said overly expansive federal designations can affect far more than isolated landmarks or environmentally sensitive areas.

They can include communities and land used for ranching, forestry and mineral development, potentially limiting economic opportunities for people who live and work in the region.

Burgum argued that sweeping federal restrictions can damage rural communities and state economies.

He characterized the administration’s policy as a “common sense” effort to protect important lands without unnecessarily restricting economic activity across much larger areas.

The issue reflects a longstanding debate in Western states over how Washington should balance conservation, energy development, ranching, recreation and local economic interests.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Gets Burgum’s Vote

Burgum also discussed America’s national parks as the country marks National Parks Week.

Asked to name his favorite, the former North Dakota governor selected Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

The park holds particular historical significance because of the time Theodore Roosevelt spent in North Dakota’s Badlands during the 1880s.

Burgum said Roosevelt’s experiences there helped shape his views about conservation.

Roosevelt later became one of America’s most influential conservation-minded presidents, using his time in the White House to protect vast areas of the nation’s natural landscape.

Burgum Encourages Americans to Visit Public Lands

Burgum concluded by encouraging families to explore America’s national parks and other federally managed public lands.

Visitors can use Recreation.gov to research campsites and recreational opportunities throughout the country.

For Americans planning road trips, camping vacations or visits to national parks, the country’s federal lands offer opportunities to experience historic sites, forests, mountains, deserts and other natural attractions.

Burgum’s broader message centered on stewardship: America’s landmarks, parks and public spaces belong to the people and should be maintained accordingly.

From cleaning up Washington and restoring monuments to managing millions of acres of federal land, the Interior secretary portrayed the administration’s policies as an effort to make government more responsive to taxpayers and local communities.

And with race cars now taking to the streets surrounding some of America’s most famous landmarks, Washington is about to receive a highly visible national spotlight.