Architect Behind Trump's Triumphal Arch Mocked by Jimmy Kimmel

Atlanta-based designer Rodney Mims Cook Jr. faces criticism for his work on controversial White House construction projects.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:05am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring sharp, jagged black silhouettes against a stark white background, conceptually representing the tension between political commentary and architectural design.Late-night comedy takes aim at the architect behind Trump's controversial Washington, D.C. construction projects.Atlanta Today

During a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, host Kimmel took aim at Atlanta architect Rodney Mims Cook Jr. over his involvement in various Trump administration construction projects, including a proposed 'Triumphal Arch' near Arlington National Cemetery. Kimmel mocked Cook's appearance, comparing him to an 'inappropriate Hogwarts professor'.

Why it matters

Cook, who is known in Atlanta for designing landmarks like the Millennium Gate Museum, was appointed by Trump to lead the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. The commission has played a key role in approving plans for the White House reconstruction and the controversial 'Triumphal Arch' proposal, drawing criticism from late-night comedians like Kimmel.

The details

In his monologue, Kimmel joked about the 'Triumphal Arch' design, which he said would 'have the name of a draft dodger who killed America' in reference to Trump. Kimmel also poked fun at Cook's appearance, saying he looked like an 'inappropriate Hogwarts professor'. Cook, who has worked on the arch concept for decades, defended the project and said the commission convinced Trump to scale down the original ballroom plans for the White House.

  • Kimmel made the comments about Cook and the Trump projects during a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
  • Cook was appointed as chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts by President Trump earlier this year.

The players

Jimmy Kimmel

The host of the late-night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live, who criticized Atlanta architect Rodney Mims Cook Jr. for his work on Trump administration construction projects.

Rodney Mims Cook Jr.

An Atlanta-based architect who was appointed by President Trump to lead the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, and has been involved in approving plans for the White House reconstruction and a proposed 'Triumphal Arch' near Arlington National Cemetery.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who appointed Rodney Mims Cook Jr. to lead the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and has been involved in various construction projects in Washington, D.C.

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What they’re saying

“The arch did get a bigly thumbs up from the chair of Trump's commission of fine arts, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., seen here looking like the Hogwarts professor who got fired for ogling Hermione, thinks it's just great.”

— Jimmy Kimmel, Host, Jimmy Kimmel Live

“We should not be entertaining the world in tents. There are also security issues with entertaining foreign leaders in tents, much less our own leaders.”

— Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Chairman, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts

“We asked him to compromise on the ballroom wing and he did. The top does not go higher than the residence, and from the North Lawn, it looks absolutely proportionate and beautiful.”

— Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Chairman, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts

What’s next

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts is expected to continue overseeing the progress of the White House reconstruction and the proposed 'Triumphal Arch' project in the coming months.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing political tensions and controversies surrounding the Trump administration's construction projects in Washington, D.C., as well as the role of influential architects like Rodney Mims Cook Jr. in shaping the capital's landscape.