Trump Unveils Plans for Towering Triumphal Arch in Washington

The proposed monument would stand 250 feet tall and feature gilded figures, eagles, and inscriptions.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:11pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a towering, gilded winged figure holding a torch, standing in a traffic circle between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, with the figure and surrounding architecture bathed in warm, dramatic lighting and shadows.A grand, gilded monument proposed by President Trump would loom over the nation's capital, reflecting his nationalist vision for the city.Washington Today

President Trump has unveiled plans for a new triumphal arch to be built in Washington, D.C. The 12-page plan released by the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts shows a 250-foot tall structure featuring a towering winged figure with a Lady Liberty-like torch and crown, flanked by two eagles and guarded by four lions - all gilded. The arch would stand between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, and include inscriptions of 'One Nation Under God' and 'Liberty and Justice for All'.

Why it matters

The proposed arch represents Trump's continued efforts to leave a lasting architectural legacy in the nation's capital, building on previous changes like a new White House ballroom and alterations to the Oval Office and Rose Garden. The grand scale and symbolism of the arch also reflect Trump's nationalist and populist political views.

The details

The 12-page plan for the arch was released by the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts. It shows the structure would stand 250 feet tall from its base to the tip of the winged figure's torch, dwarfing the nearby Lincoln Memorial at 99 feet tall. The arch would be located within a traffic circle connecting Washington and northern Virginia, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The monument would feature gilded figures including a winged central figure, two eagles, and four lions.

  • Trump first proposed the idea for the arch in February 2026.
  • The U.S. Commission on Fine Arts released the 12-page plan for the arch on April 10, 2026.

The players

President Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has proposed the construction of the triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Commission on Fine Arts

The federal agency that oversees the design and placement of public artworks and monuments in Washington, D.C., which released the detailed plan for Trump's proposed 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.”

— President Trump

What’s next

The U.S. Commission on Fine Arts will now review public feedback and comments on the proposed arch design before making a final decision on whether to approve the project.

The takeaway

Trump's plan for a towering triumphal arch in the nation's capital reflects his continued efforts to leave a lasting architectural legacy. The grand scale and nationalist symbolism of the proposed monument underscore the divisive political views that have defined his presidency.