Trump Secures $15M for New Lincoln Memorial Archway

The White House will use NEH funds to finance the construction of the president's proposed monument.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:44pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of a large stone archway standing alone on the National Mall, with the Lincoln Memorial visible in the distance through the archway's opening.A proposed new archway near the Lincoln Memorial has sparked debate over the appropriate use of federal funds for partisan monuments in the nation's capital.Washington Today

The Biden administration has approved $15 million in National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funding to finance the construction of a massive new archway proposed by former President Donald Trump. The archway is planned to be built directly across from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

The proposed archway has been a controversial project, with critics arguing that it would detract from the solemn nature of the Lincoln Memorial and that federal funds should not be used for such a partisan monument. Supporters of the plan say it would create an impressive new landmark and tourist attraction in the nation's capital.

The details

According to the White House, the $15 million in NEH funds will cover the majority of the estimated $20 million cost to build the 150-foot-tall stone archway. The design calls for the archway to feature large bronze statues of Trump on either side. Construction is expected to begin later this year, pending final approvals from the National Park Service and other regulatory bodies.

  • The White House announced the funding plan on April 7, 2026.
  • Construction on the archway is expected to begin later in 2026, pending final approvals.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who proposed the construction of the new archway near the Lincoln Memorial.

National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)

The federal agency that will provide $15 million in funding to finance the construction of the archway.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This archway will be a magnificent new landmark that celebrates the greatness of America and the enduring legacy of President Lincoln.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

“Using taxpayer funds for a monument to a former president is highly inappropriate and a misuse of public resources.”

— Jane Doe, Political Analyst

What’s next

The National Park Service and other regulatory bodies must still approve the final design and construction plans for the archway before work can begin.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's plan to build a new archway near the Lincoln Memorial using federal humanities funding has sparked debate over the appropriate use of public resources for partisan monuments. The project's fate now rests with regulatory agencies tasked with weighing the archway's potential impact on the National Mall's historic character.