Once again, The Failing New York Times has attempted to grossly mischaracterize what should be hailed as the restoration of Beauty and Grandeur to our Nation’s Capital as something else completely. Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House, had been left in disarray after decades of neglect and lack of maintenance. The fountains didn’t work, the grass and trees had died, the walking paths and benches were almost unusable. Also, because of security threats caused by rioters and protestors ripping up the stone pavers, and throwing them at our brave men and women from the Secret Service and Law Enforcement, my Administration decided to rebuild and beautify the Park. I made a multimillion contribution to the effort, and got others to do the same, but was not in charge of handing out the contract. That was done by the National Parks Service, and they gave it to the largest and most respected Construction Firm, for many years, in D.C., Clark Construction — A greatly respected firm, by far, the biggest in D.C. Not only did we add brand new fountains, but we completely beautified the Park, adding a new irrigation system, sod, trees, park benches, and more. It’s turning out magnificent, under budget, and way ahead of schedule! We want to have it complete by July 4th. Once again, people will come to the front door of the White House by walking through a magnificent Park befitting these Hollowed Grounds, not a dead, dirty, rusting, and very dangerous place like it was before we got involved. In fact, D.C. itself is now a safe and bustling place again. The Crime Numbers are the best they’ve had in Recorded History. The New York Times should congratulate us, instead of trying to make us look bad. We look forward to continuing to MAKE WASHINGTON, D.C. GREAT AGAIN, and want to thank Clark Construction, the Department of Interior, and the National Parks Service on A JOB WELL DONE! President DONALD J. TRUMP