Latest news with #Rococo
Newsweek
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
White House Rose Garden Bulldozed as Work Starts Paving It Over
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Construction has commenced on projects at the White House ordered by President Donald Trump, with the Rose Garden having been bulldozed as work begins to pave it over. Why It Matters Since his return to the White House, Trump has transformed the Oval Office, making some of the most significant changes to the room's appearance in modern presidential history. There have been gold medallions, gold vermeil figurines, gold eagles and gilded Rococo mirrors added. It has also been reported that Trump wishes to build a ballroom in the White House, similar to the one he has at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago. A labor crew works in the White House Rose Garden on June 9, 2025. A labor crew works in the White House Rose Garden on June 9, 2025. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images What To Know On Monday of this week, reporters noticed that work had begun in the Rose Garden. The Associated Press reported that the project will be completed in approximately two months, citing a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly. This same official said that employees of the National Park Service, which maintains the White House grounds, had started the work. Images show the process of paving over the Rose Garden, first with construction crews digging up the grass, then poles and mud in the garden area. The most recent images show the garden covered in what looks to be gravel. Ongoing construction is seen in the Rose Garden at the White House on June 17, 2025. Ongoing construction is seen in the Rose Garden at the White House on June 17, previously said he would pave over the Rose Garden because the grass is always wet, and it's an inconvenience for women in high heels. The president also recently oversaw the installation of two flagpoles on the front lawns of the White House, both of which measure 30.5 meters (100 feet) in height. The Rose Garden at the White House being paved over on June 17, 2025. The Rose Garden at the White House being paved over on June 17, Rose Garden was established in 1913 by Ellen Wilson, the wife of President Woodrow Wilson. It was later redesigned by President John F. Kennedy to serve as a space for outdoor ceremonies. It has since become a regular venue for various events, including receptions, press briefings, and other occasions. First lady Melania Trump redesigned the garden in 2019, during her husband's first term. The renovations drew backlash at the time and led to a petition asking for the changes to be reversed. What People Are Saying White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, in a statement shared by The New York Times in March: "The White House has not been given any tender, loving care in many decades, so President Trump is taking necessary steps in order to preserve and restore the greatness and glory of 'the People's House.'" What Happens Next It is unclear when construction on the White House Rose Garden will conclude. Plans for a new ballroom have not been revealed yet.
Los Angeles Times
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Destination Venice: 9 Romantic Wedding Venues in Italy's ‘Floating City'
There's just something about Venice that makes it feel like a place made for love. Maybe it's the quiet corners you stumble into by accident, or the way the light hits the water in late afternoon. It's no wonder celebrities like George and Amal Clooney and Anya Taylor-Joy chose to marry here—and now Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are reportedly next. The city is full of beautiful venues, from ornate palazzos to gardens that feel like secrets. We pulled together six of our favorites—each one special in its own way. Some are grand, some more low-key, but all of them have that unmistakable Venetian atmosphere that makes a wedding feel like a moment out of a grand and historic fairy tale. Aman Venice occupies Palazzo Papadopoli, one of the eight grand palazzos lining the Grand Canal, combining Rococo frescoes and Murano crystal chandeliers with Jean-Michel Gathy's refined minimalist interiors. It's the only hotel in Venice to feature two private canal-side gardens—the Canal Garden and the Pergola Garden—which serve as rare outdoor ceremony or reception spaces. The historic double piano nobile houses grand event rooms, including a luminous ballroom, salon, library, and multiple dining spaces, each retaining frescoed ceilings and elegant period details ideal for both intimate and larger wedding celebrations. With just 24 suites, direct Grand Canal access, and fully tailored celebration services, it offers luxury couples a rare blend of exclusivity, heritage, and discreet Aman hospitality—all steps from Piazza San Marco Hotel Locanda Vivaldi is housed in the historic home of composer Antonio Vivaldi, rebuilt into a boutique hotel perched on the Riva degli Schiavoni with views across St. Mark's Basin—just steps from Piazza San Marco. Its panoramic rooftop terrace offers sweeping vistas of iconic landmarks like San Giorgio, the bell tower, and the lagoon, making it a stunning setting for a sunset reception. The hotel organizes full wedding packages, from ceremony coordination to vintage boat transfers and traditional Venetian catering. With fewer than 30 rooms—including suites with private balconies and lagoon views—it's well-suited to couples seeking an intimate celebration framed by genuine Venetian history. Hotel Palazzo Stern is a 15th-century, neo-Gothic palazzo turned boutique hotel, standing directly on the Grand Canal in Dorsoduro with a terrace offering sweeping canal views. Its intimate, art-filled interiors—complete with frescoes, mosaics, carved wood, and antique mosaics—create a refined, historical atmosphere perfect for an elegant small wedding. The rooftop terrace can host welcome drinks or a reception against the backdrop of Venice's waterways, while on-site event planning includes vintage boat transfers and customized menus. With under 70 rooms, valet parking, and concierge-arranged logistics via water taxi, it strikes a balance between relaxed exclusivity and Venetian grandeur. The Gritti Palace is a 15th-century noble residence turned luxury hotel, set directly on the Grand Canal across from Santa Maria della Salute. Its richly decorated interiors feature antique Murano glass chandeliers, original frescoes, and period furnishings, creating an opulent backdrop for wedding celebrations. The Redentore Terrace and canal-side Gritti Terrace offer panoramic views ideal for elegant outdoor receptions or sunset toasts. With in-house floral and culinary teams, a private Riva boat for arrivals, and just 82 rooms, the hotel specializes in intimate events with unmistakable Venetian character. Couples can host ceremonies in the ornate Longhi Room or reserve the Club del Doge restaurant for a formal seated dinner. Located just minutes from St. Mark's Square, the property also offers easy access to Venice's most iconic photo backdrops. Palazzo Nani Bernardo is a private 16th-century Renaissance palace on the Grand Canal, blending historical grandeur with an intimate, residential feel. Its second piano nobile features a long hall and five side salons, ideal for refined indoor ceremonies and seated dinners. The crowning jewel is its hidden Italian-style garden—one of the largest in Venice—complete with climbing roses, jasmine, century-old trees, and the city's tallest palm, providing a lush outdoor backdrop for cocktails, vows, or sunset gatherings. Fully accessible by water, the venue includes its own dock and two private guest apartments, enabling exclusive multi-day celebrations. The palace remains family-owned and is rarely open to the public, making it one of Venice's most discreet and coveted wedding venues. Ca' Sagredo is a beautifully restored 15th-century palace turned boutique hotel, adorned with opulent Baroque art and grand frescoed ceilings overlooking the Grand Canal. Its elegant reception rooms—such as the Sala Maggiore and Sala del Camino—are ideal for intimate ceremonies or refined seated dinners, each set within original gilt frames and marble fireplaces. The rooftop terrace offers a romantic cocktail setting with sweeping canal views, perfect for sunset toasts or small receptions. With just 42 rooms and suites, many featuring painted ceilings and period furnishings, the atmosphere feels like hosting your own private Venetian celebration. Couples can arrive by private boat at the hotel's water entrance before retreating to discreet event planning services and chef-crafted Venetian tasting menus. Palazzo Zeno is a rare gem nestled in Venice's Dorsoduro district—a 14th-century residence thoughtfully transformed into an intimate boutique hotel. Its courtyard and charming rooftop terrace offer private outdoor ceremony settings with views of hidden canals and historic rooftops. The interior salons, with antique furnishings, exposed timber beams, and family heirlooms, create a warm, lived-in atmosphere ideal for small wedding gatherings. Couples can coordinate water-taxi arrivals directly at the front entrance and enjoy personalized service in a venue that feels like a well-loved Venetian family home. The St. Regis Venice is a lavish waterfront palace hotel set on the Grand Canal, offering sweeping views and a sense of aristocratic splendor. Its Meravigli Ballroom and dramatic canal-facing grand salon feature bold frescoes, Murano glass chandeliers, and gilded décor—perfect for elegant indoor ceremonies with a dash of Venetian flair. The hotel's spacious private terraces allow for al-fresco receptions or sunset aperitifs with guests floating by on the water. With over 110 rooms and suites blending classic Venetian styling with modern amenities, it accommodates both grand weddings and intimate gatherings. Full wedding planning support, including customized catering, floral design, and dedicated water-taxi logistics, ensures a seamless, romantic celebration from arrival to sparkler send-off. From canal-side gardens and rooftop terraces to frescoed ballrooms and centuries-old courtyards, Venice offers a wide range of memorable wedding settings. Each venue brings something unique, whether it's a private dock, panoramic Grand Canal views, or layers of history visible in every detail. Many properties include in-house planning, vintage boat transfers, and accommodations that make it easy for couples and their guests to settle in and celebrate without needing to look elsewhere. Whether you're drawn to a boutique palazzo, a storied luxury hotel, or a hidden garden retreat, Venice delivers a wedding experience rooted in character, beauty, and ease.
Sydney Morning Herald
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
Inside Jeff Bezos' ‘wedding of the century' in Venice
And there will be another seven vessels of various kinds to provide transport for guests, who are expected to include the British actor Orlando Bloom and his long-time fiancee Katy Perry, Mick Jagger, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria and Leonardo DiCaprio. Bezos' fellow tech titans Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are also expected at the multimillion-dollar shindig. As befits a man worth $US230 billion ($355 billion), Bezos has booked the most luxurious suites in Venice's finest hotels for his guests. They include the Aman, a five-star hotel on the banks of the Grand Canal that boasts private gardens and Rococo works of art, as well as the equally swanky Gritti Palace, the Danieli, the Marriott and the St Regis – where Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner will reportedly stay. Her father, Donald Trump, may even reportedly make an appearance at the wedding. A short distance away from the Grand Canal is the Belmond Cipriani on the island of Giudecca, which is expected to host Lady Gaga, who is rumoured to perform for the newlyweds. Loading Wedding celebrations and cocktail receptions will reportedly be held in Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a historic building in the heart of Venice, as well as the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a Renaissance building, and the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido, the slender island that separates the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic. The wedding is likely to cost around $25 million, according to one detailed breakdown. The sum includes up to $1.5 million for flowers and the decoration of the various venues, up to $4.5 million for wedding planners, $3 million for the hire of the venues, $1.5 million for the catering and $2.3 million for the bride's dresses. There will also be mooring fees for Bezos' superyachts and the cost of providing lavish gifts for the guests. Luxury hotel suites will make up around $3 million of the overall cost, according to Manuela Pivato, the founder of an online publication called MyFairVenice. She told D Donna, an Italian women's magazine: 'A suite at the Hotel Cipriani costs about €14,000 [$24,768] a night and the hotel recently restored 13 of its top suites.' Hair and make-up, not just for the bride but for her guests, will also cost a bomb. Loading Pivato added: 'For George Clooney's wedding, 50 hairdressers came from Rome. We can estimate a cost of around €500,000 [$890,000].' The two possible wedding venues – the Fondazione Cini on the island of San Giorgio and the Scuola Grande della Misericordia in Venice itself – are both large, meaning that they will need a wealth of flower arrangements and other decorations. Pivato said the overall bill for three different locations could easily reach $1.5 million. Between 35 and 50 sleek wooden water taxis have been hired out for the event. Mario Gasparini, a water taxi operator, told La Repubblica newspaper: 'The exact routes are being kept a secret. We will only discover who our passengers are and where we are taking them the day before the wedding service.' The lavish affair is expected to bring revenue to the city, with water taxi operators earning about $26,000 each over five days. Gasparini says the event should be embraced, adding: 'Most Venetians are not protesting – it is just the usual 150 communist extremists who are opposed to everything.' The wedding ceremony itself may be held in a complex of historic buildings known as the Fondazione Cini on the island of San Giorgio, opposite St Mark's Square. Fireworks will light up the sky as the couple say their vows and exchange rings. Last week, activists climbed to the top of the bell tower on the island, let off coloured smoke bombs and unfurled a giant banner with a large red cross scrawled across the word 'Bezos'. They hung a similar banner from the Rialto Bridge. The protesters were from an umbrella group called No Space for Bezos, a slogan that plays on the billionaire's ownership of Blue Origin, the space rocket venture. In a statement, campaigners said: 'Venice is not for sale, it is not for rent, it should not be the backdrop for the wedding of one of the world's richest men. 'As Venetians, we are ready to defend the dignity of our city. Those who expect Venice to be docile and subservient, happy to gather the crumbs that fall from the king's table, will be disappointed. What we did today is just a taste of what is to come.' The protesters have threatened to hurl themselves into canals to impede the arrival of Mr Bezos and his bride-to-be at their wedding ceremony. Tommaso Cacciari, an activist from No Space for Bezos, said: 'To block their arrival peacefully, we will jump into the canals that surround the venue, and we will also block the alleyways that lead to it. 'Bezos is not just any VIP – he is a multibillionaire who supports the world view of Trump.' Loading He added that by choosing the World Heritage city as his wedding venue, the Amazon founder was 'confusing Venice with Las Vegas'. While the activists have commanded plenty of attention, they have been sharply criticised by other Venetians, who say the city should be honoured to host such a high-profile wedding. Simone Venturini, Venice's councillor in charge of tourism, said: 'I struggle to understand how a private event like this, which won't cause any kind of stress to the city, can be considered detrimental. 'Each year Venice hosts hundreds of events, of every type. Is it Venice's fault that it is the most beautiful city in the world? We should all be proud that the wedding of Jeff Bezos will be held in our lagoon.' He said the protests and banners had been organised by 'the usual' Left-wing activists who have campaigned in the past against giant cruise ships, mass tourism and the entrance fee for day trippers which was imposed last year. He also asked whether the spray canisters that the activists had used to create their banners 'were bought on Amazon'. The governor of Veneto, the region that includes Venice, also criticised the protests. Luca Zaia said that the banners strung from the bell tower on San Giorgio island and the Rialto Bridge sent an 'unacceptable' message to the world. Zaia told Corriere della Sera newspaper: 'The history of La Serenissima is cosmopolitan, a story of openness. We have warehouses that were built by Germans, by Turks, we have the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world. Our cuisine is influenced by spices that came from other parts of the world. Our history has never been about forbidding entry to anyone.' Loading The governor, a heavyweight in the conservative League party, said only around 200 guests have been invited to the wedding – a number that Venice can easily handle given that, during the busiest periods of the year, 150,000 tourists descend on the place each day. He added: 'What message are we sending? That Venice is not a welcoming city? That we are going to start squirting tourists with water pistols? Tourism is Venice's main business, it's worth €18 billion a year and we all benefit from it, even people who don't work in the sector.' The Bezos wedding will pump between $35 million and $50 million into Venice's economy, Zaia said. He conceded that there was a need for tourist numbers to be better managed as tourist hordes overwhelm an ever-dwindling population of residents. The city's population has dropped from 175,000 in 1950 to around 48,000. The governor said Venice had managed to host celebrity weddings in the past without much disruption, including that of George Clooney and British-Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014. Unlike the impending Bezos wedding, the Clooney nuptials attracted barely a whiff of dissent among Venetians.
The Age
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
Inside Jeff Bezos' ‘wedding of the century' in Venice
And there will be another seven vessels of various kinds to provide transport for guests, who are expected to include the British actor Orlando Bloom and his long-time fiancee Katy Perry, Mick Jagger, Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Oprah Winfrey, Eva Longoria and Leonardo DiCaprio. Bezos' fellow tech titans Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are also expected at the multimillion-dollar shindig. As befits a man worth $US230 billion ($355 billion), Bezos has booked the most luxurious suites in Venice's finest hotels for his guests. They include the Aman, a five-star hotel on the banks of the Grand Canal that boasts private gardens and Rococo works of art, as well as the equally swanky Gritti Palace, the Danieli, the Marriott and the St Regis – where Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner will reportedly stay. Her father, Donald Trump, may even reportedly make an appearance at the wedding. A short distance away from the Grand Canal is the Belmond Cipriani on the island of Giudecca, which is expected to host Lady Gaga, who is rumoured to perform for the newlyweds. Loading Wedding celebrations and cocktail receptions will reportedly be held in Palazzo Pisani Moretta, a historic building in the heart of Venice, as well as the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, a Renaissance building, and the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido, the slender island that separates the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic. The wedding is likely to cost around $25 million, according to one detailed breakdown. The sum includes up to $1.5 million for flowers and the decoration of the various venues, up to $4.5 million for wedding planners, $3 million for the hire of the venues, $1.5 million for the catering and $2.3 million for the bride's dresses. There will also be mooring fees for Bezos' superyachts and the cost of providing lavish gifts for the guests. Luxury hotel suites will make up around $3 million of the overall cost, according to Manuela Pivato, the founder of an online publication called MyFairVenice. She told D Donna, an Italian women's magazine: 'A suite at the Hotel Cipriani costs about €14,000 [$24,768] a night and the hotel recently restored 13 of its top suites.' Hair and make-up, not just for the bride but for her guests, will also cost a bomb. Loading Pivato added: 'For George Clooney's wedding, 50 hairdressers came from Rome. We can estimate a cost of around €500,000 [$890,000].' The two possible wedding venues – the Fondazione Cini on the island of San Giorgio and the Scuola Grande della Misericordia in Venice itself – are both large, meaning that they will need a wealth of flower arrangements and other decorations. Pivato said the overall bill for three different locations could easily reach $1.5 million. Between 35 and 50 sleek wooden water taxis have been hired out for the event. Mario Gasparini, a water taxi operator, told La Repubblica newspaper: 'The exact routes are being kept a secret. We will only discover who our passengers are and where we are taking them the day before the wedding service.' The lavish affair is expected to bring revenue to the city, with water taxi operators earning about $26,000 each over five days. Gasparini says the event should be embraced, adding: 'Most Venetians are not protesting – it is just the usual 150 communist extremists who are opposed to everything.' The wedding ceremony itself may be held in a complex of historic buildings known as the Fondazione Cini on the island of San Giorgio, opposite St Mark's Square. Fireworks will light up the sky as the couple say their vows and exchange rings. Last week, activists climbed to the top of the bell tower on the island, let off coloured smoke bombs and unfurled a giant banner with a large red cross scrawled across the word 'Bezos'. They hung a similar banner from the Rialto Bridge. The protesters were from an umbrella group called No Space for Bezos, a slogan that plays on the billionaire's ownership of Blue Origin, the space rocket venture. In a statement, campaigners said: 'Venice is not for sale, it is not for rent, it should not be the backdrop for the wedding of one of the world's richest men. 'As Venetians, we are ready to defend the dignity of our city. Those who expect Venice to be docile and subservient, happy to gather the crumbs that fall from the king's table, will be disappointed. What we did today is just a taste of what is to come.' The protesters have threatened to hurl themselves into canals to impede the arrival of Mr Bezos and his bride-to-be at their wedding ceremony. Tommaso Cacciari, an activist from No Space for Bezos, said: 'To block their arrival peacefully, we will jump into the canals that surround the venue, and we will also block the alleyways that lead to it. 'Bezos is not just any VIP – he is a multibillionaire who supports the world view of Trump.' Loading He added that by choosing the World Heritage city as his wedding venue, the Amazon founder was 'confusing Venice with Las Vegas'. While the activists have commanded plenty of attention, they have been sharply criticised by other Venetians, who say the city should be honoured to host such a high-profile wedding. Simone Venturini, Venice's councillor in charge of tourism, said: 'I struggle to understand how a private event like this, which won't cause any kind of stress to the city, can be considered detrimental. 'Each year Venice hosts hundreds of events, of every type. Is it Venice's fault that it is the most beautiful city in the world? We should all be proud that the wedding of Jeff Bezos will be held in our lagoon.' He said the protests and banners had been organised by 'the usual' Left-wing activists who have campaigned in the past against giant cruise ships, mass tourism and the entrance fee for day trippers which was imposed last year. He also asked whether the spray canisters that the activists had used to create their banners 'were bought on Amazon'. The governor of Veneto, the region that includes Venice, also criticised the protests. Luca Zaia said that the banners strung from the bell tower on San Giorgio island and the Rialto Bridge sent an 'unacceptable' message to the world. Zaia told Corriere della Sera newspaper: 'The history of La Serenissima is cosmopolitan, a story of openness. We have warehouses that were built by Germans, by Turks, we have the oldest Jewish ghetto in the world. Our cuisine is influenced by spices that came from other parts of the world. Our history has never been about forbidding entry to anyone.' Loading The governor, a heavyweight in the conservative League party, said only around 200 guests have been invited to the wedding – a number that Venice can easily handle given that, during the busiest periods of the year, 150,000 tourists descend on the place each day. He added: 'What message are we sending? That Venice is not a welcoming city? That we are going to start squirting tourists with water pistols? Tourism is Venice's main business, it's worth €18 billion a year and we all benefit from it, even people who don't work in the sector.' The Bezos wedding will pump between $35 million and $50 million into Venice's economy, Zaia said. He conceded that there was a need for tourist numbers to be better managed as tourist hordes overwhelm an ever-dwindling population of residents. The city's population has dropped from 175,000 in 1950 to around 48,000. The governor said Venice had managed to host celebrity weddings in the past without much disruption, including that of George Clooney and British-Lebanese human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin in 2014. Unlike the impending Bezos wedding, the Clooney nuptials attracted barely a whiff of dissent among Venetians.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Commentary: In his quest for cultural dominance, Trump threatens what makes America great
Before members of Congress vote on the budget package that President Trump is about to send them, they might consider watching the adaptation of Hilary Mantel's 'Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light," which recently concluded on PBS' Masterpiece. In the final episodes, Henry VIII (Damian Lewis), pissed (per usual) that things are not going his way, orders the execution of his right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell (Mark Rylance). Henry will come to regret it, of course, but he is an impetuous and paranoid narcissist, with little sense of history and even less vision. Cromwell's journey to Tower Hill is, in its way, poetic justice. After all, he helped Henry grow the powers of the monarchy, making him head of the Church of England as well as the kingdom, and did not object to using the chopping block to do it. Now PBS, famous for reminding us, through documentaries and series like "Wolf Hall," of the historic pitfalls of power, is facing the axe. Trump has ordered that the Corp. for Public Broadcasting and other federal agencies stop public financing for PBS and NPR. Trump has put many things on his chopping block of late, including our system of checks and balances, civil rights, the economy and far too many cultural touchstones. Like Henry VIII and many emperors, he wants not just political power but cultural dominance. Read more: Trump fires Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet Just as the increasingly Rococo White House reflects Trump's Versailles-knockoff style, his ghastly "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order is a disingenuous and authoritarian mandate to remake not just American history but also our arts and letters, sports and media into an endless reflection of his ideological image. In addition to cutting funds for PBS and NPR, Trump has, via executive order, threatened to defund elite universities, including Harvard, that refuse to take government dictation over curriculum and hiring policies. In his rampage to root out 'wokeness,' he has dismantled Voice of America (the country's largest and oldest international broadcaster), personally taken over programming at the Kennedy Center and obliterated the curatorial autonomy of the Smithsonian (on Friday, he fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery, which he may or may not be legally able to do, claiming that she was too "partisan"). In order to ensure that a single trans athlete was unable to compete unimpeded in a high school track event, he threatened to withhold federal funds from California (which contributes more than 12% of those funds, making it the largest donor state in the country). Under Elon Musk, Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (a name George Orwell could have coined), has defunded, among other things, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Institutes of Health and the National Park Service. Trump recently suggested that Alcatraz be turned back to a working prison, which, given his draconian immigration policies, forces one to wonder how soon before he decides to replace the Statue of Liberty's torch with a 'do not enter' sign or destroy Lady Liberty altogether as the Nazis did during their fictional takeover of the U.S. in "The Man in the High Castle"? Many of the institutions that Trump now threatens to curtail or destroy have made this country a democratic haven and cultural center for decades. They have looked on the tempests of war, economic turmoil, civil unrest and seesawing politics and remained, as Shakespeare said, an ever-fixed mark, adapting to atmospheric shifts but essentially unchanged. Read more: PBS sues Trump White House over executive order to cut funding Not surprisingly, some of the proposed cuts are being challenged in court by PBS, NPR, Harvard and other besieged institutions. ABC reported in March that the Trump administration had been sued three times for every business day of his presidency. As many have pointed out, his plan to Make America Great Again involves destroying many of the things that made it great in the first place. Which may explain, in part, his consistently poor showing in popularity polls. To be fair, Trump has never been explicit about the antecedent Again. But over the years, he has pointed to the economic boom at the turn of the 20th century and again in the years following World War II as times when the United States was, by his lights, truly great. Many believe that Trump actually hopes to return to the relatively brief Gilded Age, the years between 1870 and 1890 during which captains of industry/robber barons flourished, aided in large part by the expansion of the railroads (at the hands, it must be noted, of Chinese and Irish immigrants). But the actual turn of the century saw the rise of the Progressive Era during which the robber barons turned to philanthropy, funding medical research, libraries, museums and universities; unions and the women's suffrage movement triumphed; and President Theodore Roosevelt enacted his Square Deal, breaking up trusts, avoiding tariffs, protecting consumers and establishing the national parks. In the early 1900s, journalism, the muckrakers, became highly influential, raising awareness about many social ills, including child labor, unsafe working conditions and unsanitary food processing. Read more: NPR and public radio stations sue Trump White House over funding cuts Likewise, during the economic expansion post-WWII, American politics were dominated by liberal Democrats still operating within the ethos of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, including the GI Bill by which a generation of Americans attended college. At Harvard, where enrollment nearly doubled, almost half of the class of 1949 was WWII veterans. So it's odd, to say the least, that Trump would choose to trumpet these particular eras as the benchmarks to which he hopes our country will return even as he attempts to destroy many of the institutions that have their roots in those times. Voice of America was founded during WWII to counter Axis propaganda and continued to bring cultural and political democracy to countries under authoritarian rule. It was so effective that Putin tried to block it. Trump is now shutting it down and plans to advance the pro-Trump One America News Network. The Smithsonian has engaged with many presidents since its establishment in 1846 (the vice president always serves on the Board of Regents), especially both of the Roosevelts. But no one but Trump ever attempted to strip the museum of its independent curatorial process by dictating what should and should not be featured in its many museums. Read more: Trump, '60 Minutes' and corruption allegations put Paramount on edge with sale less certain PBS, NPR and the Kennedy Center are more recent additions, but their aims and presence grow naturally from the kind of federal funding for arts and media prevalent during the Progressive Era and following WWII, when presidential administrations, of both parties, agreed with the founding fathers' belief that democracy requires an informed electorate and Americans are entitled to free expression. Like the Constitution, our iconic cultural institutions can grow to reflect the country they serve, but also like the Constitution, they cannot be threatened or eviscerated at the whim of the president. As they prepare to receive Trump's budget cuts, some Republican members of Congress have already expressed uneasiness over the proposed gutting of PBS. That queasiness should be taken as the symptom of a larger problem — a president should certainly be able to influence American culture, but he cannot be allowed to dismantle it. As they consider their vote, our elected officials might want to reacquaint themselves with the actual history of American greatness. And then they should have a look at 'Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.' Get notified when the biggest stories in Hollywood, culture and entertainment go live. Sign up for L.A. Times entertainment alerts. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
