News Summary
President Donald Trump has proposed the construction of a monumental arch, called the ‘Arc de Trump,’ to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the arch is intended to be located near the Lincoln Memorial. Funded by Trump’s supporters, design renderings showcase classical architectural elements. Trump has also suggested using leftover funds from a White House ballroom expansion for financing. This proposal highlights Trump’s ambition to reshape Washington’s architecture as a lasting symbol of American resilience and unity.
Washington, DC – President Donald Trump has proposed the construction of a grand triumphal arch, referred to as the “Arc de Trump,” to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. This proposal marks the signing of the Declaration of Independence, celebrating two and a half centuries of American history. The arch is envisioned to be located near the iconic Lincoln Memorial and is intended to welcome visitors arriving from Arlington National Cemetery via the Memorial Bridge.
The project is reportedly being privately funded by supporters of Trump, who has a background in real estate development. During a recent Oval Office meeting, Trump unveiled design renderings of the arch, which draws inspiration from the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. Architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau from Harrison Design was responsible for creating the watercolor rendering of the proposed monument, which includes elements such as columns, eagles, wreaths, and a gilded winged figure, reflecting classical architecture.
The arch will be constructed at Memorial Circle, strategically situated between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. In his proposal, Trump suggested that there would be three versions of the arch: small, medium, and large, expressing a preference for the largest design to dominate the landscape.
While the estimated cost of the project and the construction timeline have not been confirmed by the White House, Trump indicated that leftover funds from a planned ballroom expansion at the White House, estimated to cost $250 million, could be utilized to finance the arch. This ballroom expansion is designed to be larger than the existing structure, further emphasizing Trump’s ambitions to leave a lasting architectural legacy in Washington, DC.
In addition to this arch proposal, Trump has made various aesthetic alterations to the White House, including the introduction of gold features, modifications to the Rose Garden, and the establishment of a “Presidential Walk of Fame.” His efforts to incorporate classical architecture into federal buildings align with a broader vision for reshaping the public architecture in the nation’s capital.
However, Trump’s remodeling of the Oval Office garnered mixed reactions, with some critics labeling it a “Gilded Rococo Nightmare,” reflecting a divergence of opinion on his design choices. Trump has utilized the revamped White House to host tours for world leaders, showcasing his personal design influences.
The broader context of this proposal underscores Trump’s ongoing interest in classical aesthetics and monumental architecture as he approaches the 250th anniversary of the United States. The ambitious project not only aims to celebrate historical milestones but also seeks to create a lasting symbol of American resilience and unity.
The proposal for the “Arc de Trump” thus stands as a testament to Trump’s architectural aspirations and efforts to enhance the visual narrative of Washington, DC. As the nation gears up for the celebration of its 250th year, this triumphal arch could become a pivotal landmark in the capital’s landscape, inviting reflection on the nation’s journey and values.
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Trump Proposes New Triumphal Arch for DC Celebrations
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- Forbes
- Google News: Trump arch Washington DC
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
