Trump Unveils Plans for Towering Triumphal Arch in Washington

The proposed 250-foot monument would feature a winged figure, eagles, and lions in a grand display of power.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:57pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary triumphal arch standing tall and imposing, its gilded details glinting in the warm, diagonal sunlight. The arch is the central focus, with deep shadows surrounding it, creating a sense of grandeur and power.The proposed triumphal arch, with its towering winged figure and gilded details, casts a long shadow over the nation's capital, reflecting the lasting impact Trump hopes to leave on Washington.Washington Today

Former President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a massive new triumphal arch to be built in Washington, D.C. The 250-foot tall monument would feature a towering winged figure holding a torch, flanked by two eagles and guarded by four gilded lions. The arch is one of several architectural changes Trump is making during his second term, including adding a large ballroom to the White House and converting the Rose Garden into a stone-covered patio.

Why it matters

The proposed triumphal arch represents Trump's continued efforts to leave a lasting legacy in the nation's capital, even after his presidency. The grand, imposing design evokes a sense of power and authority, reflecting Trump's brash political style. However, the arch's placement near the Lincoln Memorial has raised concerns about its impact on the city's existing monuments and memorials.

The details

The 12-page plan released by the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts shows the arch will stand 250 feet tall from its base to the tip of the winged figure's torch. The monument will be inscribed with the phrases "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" in gold atop either side. The arch is planned to be situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, within a traffic circle connecting Washington and northern Virginia.

  • The plans for the triumphal arch were unveiled on April 10, 2026.
  • Trump has said he wants to build the arch near the Lincoln Memorial, arguing that the nation's capital first sought such a monument 200 years ago but it was interrupted by the Civil War.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who is proposing the construction of the triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Commission on Fine Arts

The government agency that released the 12-page plan detailing the design and proposed location of the triumphal arch.

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What they’re saying

“It was interrupted by a thing called the Civil War, and so it never got built. Then, they almost built something in 1902, but it never happened.”

— Donald Trump, Former President

What’s next

The proposed triumphal arch design will now go through a public review and approval process with the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts and other relevant government agencies before construction can begin.

The takeaway

The triumphal arch represents Trump's continued efforts to leave a lasting architectural legacy in Washington, D.C., even after his presidency. While the grand, imposing design reflects his political style, the arch's placement near the Lincoln Memorial has raised concerns about its impact on the city's existing monuments and memorials.