US President Donald Trump has said that he took personal interest in ensuring Washington, DC, looked clean and well-maintained ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit. Speaking at the Department of Justice, Trump revealed that he had a “route run” around key landmarks, including the White House and the State Department headquarters, to oversee a cleanliness drive before welcoming world leaders.
“We saw tents right opposite the State Department. They had to come down, and they were removed immediately. So far, so good. We want to have a capital that can be the talk of the world,” Trump stated.
Highlighting his efforts to present a pristine Washington, the US President emphasized that he did not want visiting leaders to see anything unsightly during their time in the city.
“When Prime Minister Modi of India, the President of France, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and other leaders came to see me over the past week and a half, I ensured they wouldn’t have to see tents, graffiti, broken barriers, or potholes in the roads,” he said. “We had it looking beautiful.”
Trump reiterated his commitment to making Washington cleaner and safer, vowing that his administration would continue its efforts to improve the city’s condition. He praised Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, acknowledging her cooperation in these initiatives.
“We are cleaning up our city, and we are not going to tolerate crime. The graffiti is coming down, the tents are being removed, and we are working with the administration to restore order,” he added.
Prime Minister Modi arrived in Washington on February 13 for an Official Working Visit, just weeks after Trump began his second term. The visit underscored the strong ties between India and the United States, with both leaders prioritizing the bilateral relationship.
During his two-day stay, PM Modi was hosted at Blair House, the historic presidential guesthouse located near the White House. As he welcomed the Indian leader to the Oval Office, Trump expressed his delight, calling him a “friend” and saying he was “thrilled” to have him back at the White House.
-IANS
