Donald Trump has set his sights on a new project aimed at transforming the nation’s capital, unveiling plans for an ambitious architectural landmark. The former president announced his intention to oversee the creation of a monumental arch in Washington, D.C., designed to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The proposed structure, drawing inspiration from the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, has already earned the nickname “Arc de Trump.” The announcement took place on Wednesday in the East Room, where Trump addressed a group of donors credited with funding the construction of a 90,000 square-foot White House ballroom.
During the event, Trump presented a model of the colossal arch, explaining that it is set to grace a location opposite the Lincoln Memorial, at the entrance to the Arlington Memorial Bridge. “That’s Arlington Memorial Bridge,” Trump stated, as he described the historical significance of the site.
He elaborated on the choice of location, pointing out that at the bridge’s end lies a circle that was originally constructed 150 years ago. Flanked by two pairs of columns, the circle has remained bare, despite historical intentions for a monument to be placed there. Trump remarked, “Everyone in the past had said something was supposed to be built there. But a thing called the Civil War interfered. That’s a good reason.”
This new project marks another chapter in Trump’s ongoing ambition to leave a lasting imprint on the nation’s landscape, reflecting both his penchant for grand designs and his desire to celebrate American history in a distinctive manner.
‘And everyone in the past had said something was supposed to be built there. But a thing called the Civil War interfered. That’s a good reason.’
Prior to Trump’s announcement, a reporter noticed the arch design on the resolute desk as they were being pushed out of the Oval. The reporter asks the president the purpose of the 3D model and he responded, ‘It’s an arch…It’s going to be built.’
When the reporter asks for whom, Trump replied, ‘For me!’
Trump unveiled his plans to build a grand arch across from the Lincoln Memorial during a dinner in the East Room
The president also showcased the design plans for the arch on his desk in the Oval Office in front of reporters
Trump showcased different 3-D models of the arch to his billionaire donors in the East Room
Since reentering the White House nine months ago, Trump has personally overseen several designer changes to the White House, including in the Rose Garden and Oval Office.
Trump did not specify the exact cost of the new design project or who would be funding the operation.
‘It’s so relaxing for me, real estate is relaxing,’ Trump told donors in the East Room.
‘For a lot of people, real estate is a very trying business. I’ve always liked it. I’ve always done well with it.’
The commander-in-chief cited presidents who have introduced massive designer projects during their White House terms: ‘James Monroe who added the South Portico to Andrew Jackson who added the North Portico to Theodore Roosevelt, who added the West Wing… And Harry Truman, who added the Truman Balcony.’
The donors at Monday’s gathering were executives and representatives of multi-billion dollar corporations, including Alphabet’s Google, Meta, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir.
Trump promised his ballroom donors that the final product would be completed with ‘exquisite’ taste and could be used to host future presidential inaugurations.
‘I consider myself an important designer because they come in with things that they may be good designers, but boy, the things they can recommend are horrible,’ Trump joked.
Donors from the largest corporations in the country were present at Trump’s arch presentation
Trump also claimed Arlington Memorial Bridge, where his giant arch will be placed, was supposed to host a statue of Robert E. Lee in 1902.
‘Every time somebody rides over that beautiful bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, they literally say something is supposed be here. We have versions of it… This is a mockup.’
‘That’s Arlington Memorial Bridge,’ Trump continued. ‘ In 1902, they were going to put a statue of Robert E. Lee up, would have been ok with me—would’ve been on with a lot of the people in this room.’
