Trump Proposes Massive 250-Foot 'Arc de Trump' in Arlington

The former president's plan for a giant golden arch overlooking the Potomac River has drawn criticism from architectural experts.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:31am

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Former President Donald Trump is pushing to build a 250-foot golden arch in Arlington, Virginia, dwarfing the nearby Lincoln Memorial and other iconic landmarks. The proposed 'Arc de Trump' would be even taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which inspired the design. Architectural experts have voiced concerns that the massive scale of the arch would diminish the surrounding memorials and alter the panoramic views of Washington, D.C.

Why it matters

Trump's plan for the 'Arc de Trump' has sparked debate over the appropriate scale and placement of monuments in the nation's capital. Critics argue the arch would overwhelm the existing memorials and change the historic landscape, raising questions about how new structures should balance grandeur with respect for the area's significance.

The details

Trump has been shown several versions of the arch, including 165-foot and 123-foot designs, but is now favoring the largest model at 250 feet. He has proposed placing the arch at Memorial Circle in Arlington, at the end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which would significantly impact traffic in the area. The arch would directly face the Lincoln Memorial across the Potomac River, standing nearly 2.5 times taller than the Lincoln Memorial's 99-foot height.

  • Trump first unveiled plans for the 'Arc de Trump' at the White House in October 2025.
  • The arch is planned to be completed in time for the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president who is proposing the construction of the massive 'Arc de Trump' in Arlington, Virginia.

Calder Loth

A retired Senior Architectural Historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources who has voiced concerns about the scale of Trump's proposed arch and its impact on the surrounding memorials.

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What they’re saying

“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. How does it impact the panorama of Washington? What is supposed to be doing the speaking?”

— Calder Loth, Retired Senior Architectural Historian (The Washington Post)

What’s next

Trump plans to move forward with the 250-foot 'Arc de Trump' design, despite concerns from architectural experts. The project will require approval from local and federal authorities before construction can begin.

The takeaway

Trump's proposal for a massive golden arch in Arlington highlights the ongoing tension between grand, ego-driven monuments and the need to preserve the historic character and sightlines of the nation's capital. As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, this debate over the appropriate scale and placement of new landmarks will likely continue.