OPINION:
The White House issued an executive order Thursday mandating an overhaul of the government’s websites. Under a newly created chief design officer, Uncle Sam’s online information will be standardized in ways that make it more visually appealing and usable.
“My directive is to update today’s government services to be as satisfying to use as the Apple Store: beautifully designed, great user experience, run on modern software. An experience that projects a level of excellence for our nation, and makes life less complicated for everyday Americans,” freshly appointed federal design guru Joe Gebbia explained on X.
Although this may seem minor, something unworthy of national attention, it showcases the driving principle of this administration. Unlike past presidents, Donald Trump is trying to leave the country and the world in better shape than when he took the oath of office.
Millions of Americans interact with Uncle Sam online every day to look up how to interpret a convoluted IRS rule. They might need to sign up for a federal permit to transport a plant across state lines, sell alcoholic beverages, offer investment advice, fly an airplane, manufacture a pistol or engage in commercial fishing.
Saving time with this unnecessarily tedious chore will free citizens for more productive activity. For instance, the Federal Communications Commission’s site is a mess of acronyms such as PSIX-ESIX, EDOCS, FRN, ECFS and ULS. Instead of displaying simple news releases on screen, like any other website, one has to download the text in one of three provided formats, for no particular reason.
At the Federal Aviation Administration, a pilot must have a separate account and login credentials for each basic task, such as arranging a medical examination, obtaining extra training, applying for a new license or reviewing personal records.
It’s all unnecessary hassle because bureaucrats simply haven’t cared enough to improve, or they haven’t been given sufficient backing to address problems that have lingered for decades. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy should assist Mr. Gebbia’s initiative as much as they can.
The administration’s aesthetic objectives extend beyond the internet. As first lady Melania Trump explained in a video on X last year: “When the committee of the preservation of the White House asked me to renovate the rose garden, I felt a deep responsibility to respect tradition and to preserve its grandeur for future generations.”
Mr. Trump also revived his executive order requiring federal architects to fashion new buildings reflecting classical design principles rather than the brutalist philosophy of the recent past because Washington needs more Smithsonian Castles and fewer Hoover Buildings. This is why the president has bulldozed the District of Columbia’s homeless encampments, removed the litter and discarded the drug needles supplied by the city’s left-wing management.
Cabinet secretaries are also getting involved, hoping to inspire Americans to enhance their appearance and well-being. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., 71, faced off last week against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, 45, in a contest to perform 50 pullups and 100 pushups in less than 10 minutes.
“It was President Trump who inspired us to do this. This is the beginning of our tour, challenging Americans to get back in shape, eat better, but also you need to get out and exercise,” Mr. Kennedy said.
Promoting fitness and beautifying the nation’s cities and government websites deserve attention as key elements of the Make America Great Again agenda.
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