Poll: Should Dulles be overhauled at the "speed of Trump"?
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The Saarinen-designed main terminal at Dulles. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Dulles is already undergoing a big renovation, but the Trump administration has its own ideas for "a complete refresh" — and wants it done "at the speed of Trump."
Why it matters: It's another example of the "Decorator-in-Chief" vowing to "beautify" the area.
The big picture: There are several major events on Washington's horizon — next year's 250th celebration, the NFL draft — that will draw hordes of visitors to Dulles and likely have President Trump's aesthetic antennae on high alert.
State of play: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is now fielding interest from developers and architects who might want to build new terminals and concourses that would either replace or enhance the airport's existing structures.
- And yes, that could include the main terminal, a mid-century marvel designed by Eero Saarinen.
One big target of Trump world: the people movers, which were involved in two crashes last month.
- Duffy also bemoaned the airport's' "jet fuel smell" and the main terminal's "paltry number of gates."
Between the lines: Trump thinks Saarinen's building is "beautiful."
How it works: The Department of Transportation (DOT) possesses IAD's property title, but the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) — which operates the airport — has a lease on it through 2100.
- And it's the MWAA board who has the power to "acquire, maintain, improve, operate, protect, and promote" Dulles, per Congress.
- Duffy says his agency will "share" the design bids with MWAA and "work closely with the airport authority" on a glow up.
Reality check: The airport's already in the middle of a mega refresh.
- A new 14-gate, 400,000-square-foot United concourse is on track to be finished in 2026.
- And IAD recently announced a new master plan including more gates and parking, an expanded Aerotrain and another runway.
What they're saying: The MWAA looks forward to "working collaboratively with the administration," Crystal L. Nosal, a MWAA spokesperson, tells Axios.
- "We always embrace new ideas for Dulles," she says, adding the group wants to build on the airport's existing renovation plans.
- The DOT and Federal Aviation Administration didn't provide comments about Trump's plans.
💭 Mimi's thought bubble: If you know me, you know I ride hard for a Capital One Lounge.
- And if Trump so much as touches my Dulles lounge, mark my words — I'm running for president myself in 2028.
💭 Anna's thought bubble: I like the people movers. They're like the Jumbo Slice of the airport — big, awkward, kinda bad, but a D.C. rite of passage.
- Also absolutely necessary at 2am after a long flight/night.
🗣️ What do you think — should Trump take on Dulles?
- Take our poll.