Trump's Triumphal Arch Faces Revisions from Fine Arts Panel

Commission suggests losing statues atop the 250-foot structure before final approval.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:38pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting a partially constructed triumphal arch structure, its grand scale and imposing presence softened by warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and unease over the project's future.The proposed triumphal arch faces scrutiny and potential revisions from a Trump-aligned fine arts commission, reflecting the ongoing tension over the former president's architectural legacy in Washington.Washington Today

A Trump-aligned fine arts commission granted preliminary approval for the former president's plans to build a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., but the panel's vice chairman proposed significant changes, including removing the statues of golden eagles and a winged angel that account for a third of the structure's 250-foot height.

Why it matters

The outcome reflects the ongoing tension between Trump's efforts to leave a lasting architectural imprint on the nation's capital and the public resistance to the scale and lack of consultation on his designs. Even with a commission stacked with his own appointees, Trump faces challenges in realizing his vision for the triumphal arch.

The details

The Commission of Fine Arts, which has an advisory role on the project's design, asked the administration to return with updated drawings before a final vote. Vice Chairman James C. McCrery II, who was also the original architect for Trump's $400 million ballroom, took issue with the statues at the top of the arch, suggesting they be removed to create a 'more Washingtonian design' that would decrease the structure's height to around 166 feet.

  • The Commission of Fine Arts granted preliminary approval on April 16, 2026.

The players

Commission of Fine Arts

A Trump-aligned advisory body that has a say on the design of the triumphal arch project, though it has no enforcement power.

James C. McCrery II

The vice chairman of the Commission of Fine Arts and the original architect for Trump's $400 million ballroom.

Donald Trump

The former president who is seeking to leave his architectural imprint on Washington, D.C. with the triumphal arch project.

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What they’re saying

“I wonder if you need those up there”

— James C. McCrery II, Vice Chairman, Commission of Fine Arts

“Removing the statues would decrease its size considerably, to about 166 feet.”

— James C. McCrery II, Vice Chairman, Commission of Fine Arts

What’s next

The administration must return to the Commission of Fine Arts with updated drawings for the triumphal arch before a final vote on the project.

The takeaway

Trump's efforts to leave a lasting architectural legacy in Washington, D.C. continue to face resistance, even from a commission stacked with his own appointees. The scale and lack of consultation on his designs have fueled public opposition, and the triumphal arch project may require significant revisions before receiving final approval.