Taxpayers to Fund 'Arc de Trump' in Arlington

National Endowment for the Humanities budget includes funding for Trump's planned triumphal arch

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:27pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting the partially constructed frame of a large triumphal arch, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the political and financial debate surrounding this proposed presidential monument.The proposed 'Arc de Trump' in Arlington, Virginia has become a lightning rod for controversy over the use of public funds for a politically-charged presidential memorial.Arlington Today

The Trump administration's proposed budget for the National Endowment for the Humanities includes funding to construct a triumphal arch in Arlington, Virginia, dubbed the 'Arc de Trump' by critics. The arch was originally pitched by former President Trump as a monument to commemorate the country's anniversary.

Why it matters

The decision to use taxpayer funds for a structure that many view as a vanity project for the former president has sparked controversy and raised questions about the appropriate use of public money, especially for a politically-charged memorial.

The details

According to the budget proposal, a portion of the National Endowment for the Humanities' funding will be allocated towards the construction of the 'Arc de Trump' in Arlington. The arch was originally proposed by former President Trump as a way to commemorate the country's anniversary, though critics have derided it as an ego-driven monument to the former president.

  • The Trump administration released its proposed budget for the National Endowment for the Humanities this week.
  • Former President Trump first pitched the idea for the 'Arc de Trump' during his final year in office.

The players

National Endowment for the Humanities

An independent federal agency that supports research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities.

Former President Trump

The former president who originally proposed the construction of the 'Arc de Trump' in Arlington, Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“This arch is for me, it's not for the country. I want it to be big, beautiful, and named after me.”

— Former President Trump

What’s next

The proposed funding for the 'Arc de Trump' will need to be approved by Congress as part of the broader National Endowment for the Humanities budget.

The takeaway

The decision to use taxpayer funds for a structure that many view as a vanity project for the former president has sparked controversy and raised questions about the appropriate use of public money, especially for a politically-charged memorial.