Architect Blasts Trump's Plan for Massive 250-Foot Arch in D.C.

The artist behind the original proposal says the arch's size and location would obstruct views of historic landmarks.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:47am

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President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a 250-foot-tall "Independence Arch" to be built across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, but the architect who originally pitched the idea to the White House has criticized the project, saying the arch is too large for the proposed location and would obstruct views of historic sites like Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.

Why it matters

The planned arch has drawn criticism from architectural experts who are concerned about its massive scale and impact on the surrounding landscape and historic landmarks in the nation's capital.

The details

Catesby Leigh, an art critic who first proposed the idea of a commemorative arch to the White House, said his original recommendation was for a temporary 60-foot-tall arch, but Trump decided to go with a much larger, permanent structure. Leigh and other experts argue the 250-foot-tall arch would overwhelm the area and block views of important sites like Arlington House and the Lincoln Memorial.

  • President Trump unveiled the arch plans on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Leigh criticized the project in comments to The Wall Street Journal on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Catesby Leigh

An art critic who originally pitched the idea of a commemorative arch to the White House, but whose recommendations were ignored in favor of a much larger, permanent structure.

Calder Loth

A former senior architectural historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, who expressed concerns about the arch's scale and impact on the surrounding landmarks.

President Donald Trump

The president who unveiled plans for the 250-foot-tall "Independence Arch" to be built across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.

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What they’re saying

“I don't think an arch that large belongs there.”

— Catesby Leigh, Art critic (The Wall Street Journal)

“I would be very concerned about the scale. It would make Arlington House just look like a dollhouse – or you couldn't see it all, with the arch blocking the view.”

— Calder Loth, Former senior architectural historian, Virginia Department of Historic Resources (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The White House has not indicated whether it will reconsider the arch's size or location in response to the criticism from architects and historians.

The takeaway

The planned Independence Arch has sparked concerns from experts who fear its massive scale and prominent placement would overwhelm and obstruct views of important historic landmarks in the nation's capital, raising questions about the project's appropriateness and impact on the surrounding landscape.