Donald Trump has taken a significant step forward with his ambitious plan for a towering 250-foot Triumphal Arch, as he officially submitted the proposal accompanied by new renderings. The structure is envisioned to dominate the skyline of the nation’s capital.
The recently filed plans suggest that the grand ‘Arc de Trump’ is set to be constructed near Arlington National Cemetery, strategically positioned across the river from the iconic Lincoln Memorial.
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Harrison Design, the monument is expected to be predominantly crafted from white stone, featuring intricate golden embellishments that add to its majestic appearance.
As reported by ABC News, the arch will bear the inscription ‘One Nation Under God’ beneath a golden statue of a winged Lady Liberty. The design also includes two golden eagles perched on either side, adding to its grandeur.
The monument’s base will be adorned with four gold lions, while architectural mockups depict a staircase that appears to lead to a potential viewing deck for visitors, offering an engaging experience.
Trump shared these plans in a post on Truth Social, expressing his enthusiasm as the proposals were finally submitted after facing months of delays.
‘I am pleased to announce that TODAY my Administration officially filed the presentation and plans to the highly respected Commission of Fine Arts for what will be the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World,’ he said.
‘This will be a wonderful addition to the Washington D.C. area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come!’
The president officially submitted plans for the Triumphal Arch which is set to sit near the Arlington National Cemetery
Donald Trump originally teased the project last year. He has said the arch will be the largest of its kind anywhere in the world
The arch is set to stand approximately 250 feet tall with the center reaching 110 feet tall
The Triumphal Arch stands to be more than twice the Lincoln Memorial’s size, towering over it from across the Potomac.
Its central opening is 110 feet high so that its 99-foot counterpart can be seen through the center.
Plans revealed this week suggested that the arch will punctuate the center of Memorial Circle, a roundabout near the Arlington Memorial Bridge that Trump had previously earmarked for the project.
‘Every time somebody rides over that beautiful bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, they literally say something is supposed to be here,’ Trump told donors earlier this year.
The White House Commission of Fine Arts will meet next Thursday in Washington DC to decide the fate of his proposal, reported Fox Digital.
It is unclear how much the project may cost.
The National Endowment for the Humanities released a spending plan that suggested the arch would be at least partially funded by taxpayers’ dollars.
The president stated that he hoped the arch would be the largest in the world, surpassing even France’s Arc de Triomphe, which stands almost 165 feet tall.
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Some have protested the arch over allegations that the president was violating stipulations surrounding new commemorative projects with its construction
The arch will sit in the center of Memorial Circle, a roundabout near the Arlington Memorial Bridge
This week, Trump compromised with a Vietnam veterans’ group that was suing to prevent construction on the arch.
They argued the president had failed to follow federal laws that limit new construction of commemorative works, reported USA Today.
Laws require a recommendation from the interior secretary or the General Services Administration.
The White House agreed to notify the public two weeks before construction on the arch began, according to the lawsuit.
Legal challenges are only temporarily stalled as the group will be able to restart litigation if the administration fails to follow the proper legal channels.
The White House told Fox that plans for the Triumphal Arch aim for it to be ‘one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington, DC, but throughout the world.’
‘It will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen and all Americans alike, serving as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250-year history so we can enjoy our freedoms today,’ read the statement.
‘President Trump will continue to honor our veterans and give the greatest nation on earth — America — the glory it deserves.’
The president teased the idea in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday in July 2025
The White House told outlets that the new arch will be considered ‘one of the most iconic landmarks’ in the world
However, when CBS News asked who the arch would be honoring, Trump answered ‘me.’
Trump first teased the idea in October 2025, suggesting that it would be constructed to mark the country’s 250th birthday in July.
The official timeline for construction has not been announced.
Last year, Trump told Politico that construction on the Triumphal Arch would begin shortly.
‘It’ll be great. Everyone loves it,’ he said from Mar-a-Lago. ‘They love the ballroom too. But they love the Triumphal Arch,’ he added.
The Daily Mail contacted the White House, Harrison Design and the Commission of Fine Arts for comment.
