The Proposed Trump-Inspired Arch in Washington DC
US President Donald Trump’s ambitious plan to construct a triumphal arch in Washington DC, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, has taken a significant step forward after a key agency approved a revised design for the structure. Nicknamed the “Arc de Trump,” this project is part of the president’s broader vision to reshape the capital city according to his own style.
What Will the Arch Look Like?
The proposed arch will stand at an impressive 250 feet (76 metres) tall, significantly taller than the original Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which is 50m high. The exterior will be made of granite, and it will feature a golden Lady Liberty-like figure flanked by two eagles. Inscribed in gold lettering on either side of the monument will be the phrases “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All.” An observation deck will offer 360-degree views of the surroundings.
In December, Mr. Trump stated that the new arch would surpass the original in every way, saying, “The only thing they have is history… I always say [it’s] the one thing you can’t compete with, but eventually we’ll have that history too.”
The newly approved design removes four gold lions that were originally planned to adorn the base of the arch. The Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), which approved the revised design, cited that lions are not native to the US as the reason for their removal. CFA secretary Thomas Luebke noted that out of the 1,000 public comments received, most argued against the project moving forward.
Why Does Trump Want It?
The arch is intended to mark America’s 250th anniversary in July. Mr. Trump has previously claimed that Washington is the only major Western capital without an arch, stating, “It’s the only city in the world that’s of great importance that doesn’t have a triumphal arch.”
However, building a new memorial typically takes years, and it is unlikely to be completed in time for the nation’s birthday celebrations. When Mr. Trump displayed models of the arch last October, a reporter asked who it was for. His response was, “Me. It’s going to be beautiful.”
Other Famous Arches Around the World
Triumphal arches have been used globally to commemorate significant events, leaders, and military achievements. Some notable examples include:
- Mexico City: Monumento a la Revolucion (67m)
- Pyongyang: Arch of Triumph (60m)
- New Delhi: India Gate (42m)
- Barcelona: Arc de Triomf (30m)
- Rome: Arch of Constantine (21m)
Controversy Over the Location
The arch is planned for a traffic circle between the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. The administration claims the location will serve as a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by American heroes throughout history. However, military veterans and a historian argue that the site is inappropriate, citing concerns about disrupting the experience of visiting the cemetery and obstructing the view from the cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial.
Critics also argue that the arch’s height would dominate the skyline, dwarfing other monuments like the Lincoln Memorial (30m). Additionally, there are safety concerns regarding potential interference with air traffic. The arch would be located less than 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, potentially affecting flight paths.
According to documents obtained by CNN, the Department of Interior requested a formal aeronautical study from the Federal Aviation Administration to assess if the arch would pose a hazard to flights.
Cost and Funding
No official cost figure has been released yet. A White House official mentioned that a mix of taxpayer and private funds is expected to cover the expenses. Mr. Trump suggested that the arch could be funded by leftover private donations from the ballroom project.
What’s Next?
The project still needs approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, a separate federal agency overseeing construction on federal land. A meeting has been scheduled for June 4. While critics argue that Congressional approval is necessary, the Trump administration claims it plans to use a century-old authorization to bypass permission. Mr. Trump stated that he does not need Congress to sign off on the project, saying, “We’re doing it, the land is owned… by the Interior Department, we don’t need anything from Congress.”
Preliminary surveys and testing of the arch site have already begun, but it is unclear when construction will start.
Trump’s Other Passion Projects
The 250-foot arch is not the only project on the president’s agenda aimed at leaving a lasting imprint on Washington. Other changes include:
- White House East Wing ballroom
- Sculpture garden of American Heroes along the Potomac River
- Changing the colour of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool
- Renaming the Kennedy Centre to also include “Trump”
These redesign efforts are arguably the most dramatic by a US president since Theodore Roosevelt championed a structural overhaul of the National Mall in the early 1900s. In the 1950s, Harry Truman gutted and rebuilt the White House.
