Trump Unveils Plans for Massive Triumphal Arch in D.C.

The proposed 250-foot monument is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:13am

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A cinematic painting of a towering, golden-adorned arch standing in a traffic circle, with the Potomac River and National Mall visible in the background, conveying a sense of grandeur and political ambition.The Trump administration's proposed Triumphal Arch would loom large over the nation's capital, sparking debate about the president's vision for reshaping Washington, D.C.Arlington Today

The Trump administration has unveiled design renderings for a proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch to be located in Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River from the National Mall. The structure, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, would feature patriotic symbols like a golden winged angel, four golden lions, and two 24-foot golden eagles. The administration has pitched the arch's completion to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in July 2026.

Why it matters

The Triumphal Arch proposal has drawn attention due to President Trump's comments that the monument would honor "me." The design is now under review by the Commission on Fine Arts, which the president has reshaped by firing multiple members appointed by the previous administration.

The details

The proposed monument is intended to be situated across the Potomac River from the National Mall, specifically in Memorial Circle, a traffic roundabout located near Arlington National Cemetery. The architectural renderings for the project were created by Harrison Design. The arch will feature several patriotic and golden symbols, including a gold winged angel, four golden lions, and two 24-foot golden eagles. One side of the arch will be inscribed with "One Nation Under God" and the other with "Liberty and Justice for All."

  • President Trump first announced the idea for the arch in October 2025.
  • On January 23, 2026, the president shared three different renderings of the arch via a post on Truth Social.
  • The administration has pitched the completion of the project to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States in July 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who proposed the Triumphal Arch project.

Harrison Design

The architectural firm that created the renderings for the proposed Triumphal Arch.

Commission on Fine Arts

The federal design panel that is reviewing the Triumphal Arch proposal.

Joe Biden

The former President of the United States, who had appointed members to the Commission on Fine Arts that were later fired by President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“me”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The Triumphal Arch proposal is currently under review by the Commission on Fine Arts, which will determine whether the project can move forward.

The takeaway

The Triumphal Arch proposal is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape the capital's landscape, raising questions about the president's motivations and the potential impact on the city's existing monuments and memorials.