President Donald Trump has unveiled ambitious plans for an ‘Arc de Trump‘ in Washington D.C., a monumental arch inspired by Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, intended to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. This project is part of a broader second-term agenda that includes extensive White House renovations and a new $250 million ballroom, reflecting his distinctive real estate developer’s vision for the nation’s capital.
In a move that promises to dramatically reshape the landscape of the nation’s capital, President Donald Trump has revealed detailed plans for a colossal new monument: the ‘Arc de Trump.’ This audacious project, envisioned as America’s answer to Paris’s iconic Arc de Triomphe, is slated to rise directly opposite the revered Lincoln Memorial, becoming a prominent feature of Washington D.C.’s historic monumental core.
The proposed arch is not merely an architectural addition but a cornerstone of President Trump’s ambitious second-term agenda. Beyond commemorating America’s 250th anniversary, it signifies a broader effort to leave an indelible mark on federal architecture and urban design. This vision underscores his long-standing passion for grand construction, deeply rooted in his professional background as a real estate developer.
A Monumental Vision for America’s 250th Anniversary
The ‘Arc de Trump’ is designed to be a grand gateway, greeting visitors as they travel from Arlington National Cemetery across the Memorial Bridge towards the Lincoln Memorial. During an Oval Office meeting, President Trump presented renderings and models of the structure, stating, “Every time somebody rides over that beautiful bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, they literally say something is supposed be here.” He described a grassy, circular area at the bridge’s end as the ideal, long-awaited location for such a monument.
The project draws direct inspiration from Napoleon’s Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of military triumph and national glory in Paris. Models of the proposed arch seen on President Trump’s desk in the Oval Office, during a meeting with Finnish President Alex Stubb, depicted a winged golden angel holding aloft a torch, flanked by two white eagles. These details emphasize a classical, triumphal aesthetic consistent with an executive order signed in August to promote classical architecture, as reported by USA TODAY. The proposed monument is a clear expression of his desire to further celebrate the power and military victories of the United States.
Architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau of Harrison Design shared a watercolor rendering of the proposal on social media in September, echoing the sentiment: “America needs a triumphal arch!” This public sentiment aligns with the Donald Trump for President Facebook page, which posted a similar design linked to the 250th anniversary of US independence, further solidifying the narrative around the monument’s purpose.
Architectural Details and Presidential Preference
During a donor dinner for his ballroom plans on October 15, 2025, President Trump showcased three versions of the arch—small, medium, and large—expressing a clear preference for the largest option. While specific cost details remain scarce, President Trump indicated that the ballroom project was “fully financed,” and any remaining funds would contribute to the arch’s construction. This blending of private and presidential funding mirrors the approach taken for other significant White House improvements, including the construction of the new ballroom itself, which he had previously proposed to former presidents, according to Yahoo News.
Broader Capital Improvements and Trump’s Aesthetic
The ‘Arc de Trump’ is one of several ambitious projects initiated under President Trump’s second term. His plans extend to a comprehensive overhaul of the White House and its surroundings, reflecting a distinct personal aesthetic:
- A gilded renovation of the Oval Office, transforming its previously spartan walls with gold, paintings, and ornaments. This follows his personal aesthetic, as detailed by Yahoo News.
- The paving over of the Rose Garden with a new patio, including picnic tables and yellow and white umbrellas, converting it to resemble parts of his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
- Construction of a $250 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom adjacent to the White House, a long-held passion project that he has stated is now “fully financed” by private donors and himself.
- Plans to clear homeless encampments across the capital, a broader initiative tied to his urban improvement vision.
These initiatives go beyond customary presidential updates, signaling a desire for extensive and highly visible development. President Trump has often spoken about his enjoyment of real estate, calling it “relaxing,” and sees himself as an “important designer” with a strong vision for aesthetics, as highlighted by USA TODAY.
Historical Context and Community Reactions
The idea of presidential architectural projects is not new. President Trump himself referenced past presidents who undertook significant additions, such as James Monroe adding the South Portico, Andrew Jackson the North Portico, Theodore Roosevelt the West Wing, and Harry Truman the Truman Balcony. However, the scale and personal branding associated with the ‘Arc de Trump’ have sparked considerable discussion within the community.
The proposed monument and accompanying renovations have ignited debates concerning architectural ethics, the use of public land for privately funded projects, and the imposition of a president’s personal tastes on national symbols. While some view it as a bold statement of national pride and a fitting tribute to America’s enduring legacy, others question the priorities and potential implications for Washington D.C.’s historical character.
As President Trump continues to push forward with his transformative vision for the capital, the ‘Arc de Trump’ stands as a powerful symbol of his unique approach to leadership and his enduring passion for building. This project, alongside the extensive White House upgrades, ensures that his second term will be remembered not just for policy, but for monumental changes to the physical landscape of American power.
