Reiterating his promise of a cleaner and more secure Washington, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (India time) revealed that he himself conducted a "route run" around the White House and the US Department of State.
The step was taken so that a proper cleanliness drive was conducted before the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the capital was made presentable.
"We spoke about there being tents everywhere opposite the State Department. They have to be removed and they removed them immediately. And, so far, so good. We want to have a capital which can be the subject of talk of the world," Trump stated in a speech at the Department of Justice (DoJ).
With memories of the global leaders who came to Washington recently, Trump laid special stress on showcasing Washington to the best effect. "When Prime Minister Modi of India, when the President of France, and all of these individuals, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, they all came to visit me during the past week and a half. When they visit, I had the route go through. I did not want to have them pass by tents. I did not want to have them pass by graffiti. I did not want to have them pass by broken barriers and potholes in the road. And we had it looking magnificent," he said.
The President of the US reaffirmed his government's commitment to keeping the capital clean and safe. "We're cleaning up the city. We're cleaning up this magnificent capital and we are not going to have crime, and we are not going to stand for crime, and we are going to remove the graffiti, and we are already removing the tents, and we are working with the administration," Trump confirmed. He also commended Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser for her efforts, acknowledging that she has been doing a "good job."
PM Modi’s Official Working Visit to Washington, DC, took place on February 13, just weeks after Trump commenced his second term in office. The visit underscored the strong ties between India and the United States.
PM Modi spent two days there and stayed at Blair House, the elite 70,000-square-foot guest house linked with the White House. Greeting him to the Oval Office, Trump was his usual effusive self, saying he was "thrilled" to welcome "friend Narendra Modi" back to the White House.
As a mark of appreciation, Trump gifted PM Modi with an autographed copy of his book Our Journey Together, signing the message "you are great."
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