Plan to Create the National Garden of American Heroes in West Potomac Park

May 15, 2026, 18:41
USPolitics

Introduction

President Donald Trump has announced that West Potomac Park will be the location for a new exhibit featuring statues of important American figures.

Main Body

The proposed National Garden of American Heroes is designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. It will include sculptures of 250 people from different cultural, political, and historical backgrounds. This project began in 2020 through an executive order, which originally identified 244 people to be honored. Although $40 million was provided by Congress to buy the statues, the project may break federal laws. Specifically, federal law requires a strict approval process with several planning groups to protect the city's historical views and architecture. This plan is part of a larger trend of quick changes to the capital's infrastructure. For example, the administration has renovated the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and demolished the White House East Wing to build a ballroom. Additionally, there are plans to close the Kennedy Center and build a 250-foot 'Triumphal Arch' near Arlington National Cemetery. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also wants to turn East Potomac Park into a professional golf course. Because the government is ignoring standard rules, many of these projects are now facing legal challenges in court.

Conclusion

The administration is continuing to make major changes to the capital, but the legality of skipping official planning procedures remains a serious disagreement.

Learning

🚀 The 'B2 Power-Up': Moving from Simple to Complex Sentences

As an A2 student, you usually write short, separate sentences. To reach B2, you need to connect ideas using specific logical bridges. Let's look at how this article does it.

🧩 The "Although" Pivot

A2 style: The government has money. The project may break the law. B2 style: Although $40 million was provided... the project may break federal laws.

The Secret: Use Although at the start of a sentence to show a contrast. It tells the reader: "I am giving you one fact, but the next part is more important/surprising."

⚡ The "Because" Logic

A2 style: The government is ignoring rules. Many projects are in court. B2 style: Because the government is ignoring standard rules, many of these projects are now facing legal challenges.

The Secret: Instead of saying "This happened. Then that happened," use Because to explain the cause and effect. This makes your English sound professional and academic.

🏗️ Vocabulary Upgrade: Precision Words

Stop using generic words like 'big' or 'change'. Notice these B2 alternatives from the text:

  • Instead of 'big changes' →\rightarrow Major changes
  • Instead of 'fixing' →\rightarrow Renovated
  • Instead of 'argument' →\rightarrow Legal challenges or Serious disagreement

Pro Tip: Try to combine two of your simple thoughts today using Although or Because. That is the fastest bridge to B2 fluency!

Vocabulary Learning

celebrate (v.)
to mark an occasion with festivities or special events
Example:The city will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States with a new garden.
statues (n.)
large, sculpted representations of people or animals
Example:The exhibit will feature statues of important American figures.
sculptures (n.)
three‑dimensional artworks created by carving, modeling, or assembling materials
Example:The National Garden will include sculptures of 250 people.
executive (adj.)
relating to the highest level of management or authority
Example:The project began in 2020 through an executive order.
order (n.)
an official instruction or directive
Example:The executive order identified 244 people to be honored.
identified (v.)
to recognize or name something
Example:The order originally identified 244 people to be honored.
honored (adj.)
regarded with respect or admiration
Example:The 244 people were honored in the new garden.
federal (adj.)
relating to the national government
Example:The project may break federal laws.
laws (n.)
official rules made by a governing body
Example:The project may break federal laws.
strict (adj.)
rigorous and exacting
Example:Federal law requires a strict approval process.
approval (n.)
permission or consent to proceed
Example:The process requires a strict approval from several planning groups.
planning (n.)
the act of making arrangements for future actions
Example:The process involves several planning groups.
groups (n.)
collections of people with a common purpose
Example:Several planning groups must approve the project.
protect (v.)
to keep safe from harm or damage
Example:The approval process protects the city's historical views.
architecture (n.)
the design and style of buildings
Example:The project must protect the city's architecture.
infrastructure (n.)
the basic physical systems and facilities of a city
Example:The plan is part of a larger trend of quick changes to the capital's infrastructure.
renovated (v.)
to restore or improve a building
Example:The administration has renovated the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
demolished (v.)
to destroy or tear down a building
Example:The White House East Wing was demolished to build a ballroom.
ballroom (n.)
a large room for dancing or events
Example:The East Wing was demolished to build a ballroom.
professional (adj.)
relating to a paid occupation or specialized skill
Example:Doug Burgum wants to turn East Potomac Park into a professional golf course.
golf (n.)
a sport played on a course with clubs and balls
Example:The park will become a professional golf course.
course (n.)
a path or track for a sport
Example:The golf course will be built in East Potomac Park.
ignoring (v.)
to pay no attention to
Example:The government is ignoring standard rules.
standard (adj.)
typical or accepted
Example:The government is ignoring standard rules.
rules (n.)
official guidelines or instructions
Example:The government is ignoring standard rules.
legal (adj.)
concerning the law
Example:The projects face legal challenges.
challenges (n.)
difficulties or problems
Example:The projects face legal challenges in court.
disagreement (n.)
a difference of opinion
Example:Skipping official planning procedures remains a serious disagreement.