President Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious project for a new monument in Washington, DC, inspired by France’s famous Arc de Triomphe.
Dubbed the ‘Arc De Trump,’ this proposed memorial aims to serve as a significant entryway to the nation’s capital, particularly for those arriving via the Arlington Memorial Bridge from Virginia’s Arlington National Cemetery.
During a thank-you dinner for donors who contributed to his $200 million overhaul of the White House Ballroom, Trump shared a 3D model of the monument, which closely resembles the iconic French structure.
The event saw the attendance of representatives from major corporations, including Lockheed Martin, Palantir, Alphabet’s Google, Meta, and Amazon.
Trump told attendees, “He [Trump] came up with the design and has been part of the process every step of the way,” according to a White House official who spoke to CNN.
The proposed monument is positioned to be constructed directly opposite the Lincoln Memorial, creating a visual and symbolic connection to the historic site.
At the dinner, Trump remarked, “There’s a rendering of what it will look like. You have three sizes. That would be the largest one. This is just a model, what it would look like in either of the three, any of the three sizes.”
He emphasized, “It’s going to be really beautiful. I think it’s going to be fantastic.”
The proposed designs include various sizes for the monument—small, medium, and large—reflecting Trump’s desire for the largest iteration to stand prominently at this critical location.
In a conversation about the site, Trump noted, “That’s Arlington Memorial Bridge. And at the end of it, you have a circle that was built 150 years ago. You have two columns on one side, two columns on the other, yet in the middle, just a circle.”
He added historical context, mentioning how the plan to create something at that location was impeded by the Civil War.
Trump stated, “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.”
The proposed model features columns, eagles, wreaths, and a gilded, winged figure resembling an angel.
Architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, who designed the watercolor rendering, shared it on social media, describing it as a proposal for a triumphal arch in DC as part of the celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary.
Currently, the design is still a work in progress, and no timeline has been established for its completion.
However, Trump is likely eager to have the monument finished before the conclusion of his second term in office.
Furthermore, the financial aspects behind the monument—specifically who will bear the cost—remain uncertain at this time.
Interestingly, Trump issued an executive order requiring all new federal buildings to adopt a classical architectural style, indicating his vision for the aesthetic direction of new constructions in the capital.
The motivation behind this national monument is tied to the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which will be marked in July.
As part of a broader initiative celebrating this milestone, Trump has expressed a desire to leave a lasting legacy through significant public works.
Having been a real estate developer prior to his presidency, Trump has previously sought to impose his personal touch on the White House, remodeling various rooms including the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room.
He has also made changes to the West Colonnade and redesigned the White House Rose Garden.
The West Wing’s Colonnade now features a “Presidential Walk of Fame,” consisting of gold-framed portraits celebrating past presidents, with a notable exclusion being a traditional portrait of President Joe Biden—replaced by an autopen used frequently by Biden and other former presidents.
During the dinner, Trump shared his fondness for real estate, stating, “It’s so relaxing for me, real estate is relaxing. For a lot of people, real estate is a very trying business. I’ve always liked it. I’ve always done well with it.”
This is not the first instance of Trump’s admiration for France’s national symbols. During his first term, he became fascinated by the military parades held in France to commemorate Bastille Day in July 2017.
Commenting on the robust display of military might, Trump said, “It was two hours on the button, and I think a tremendous thing for France and for the spirit of France. We’re going to have to try to top it.”
Despite these aspirations, Trump’s attempts to replicate such parades in the U.S. faced opposition from political leaders and military officials, who contended they did not align with American traditions.
In 2018, he even proposed a celebration to honor the centenary of the armistice entering World War I, but that plan was ultimately canceled.
Undeterred, Trump eventually realized his vision for a military parade during his second term, which unfolded on his 79th birthday and coincided with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Though the event was estimated to have cost taxpayers roughly $45 million, it fell flat due to inclement weather and lackluster public interest, with reports of a low turnout.Also, soldiers were observed looking uninterested throughout the proceedings.
As the ‘Arc De Trump’ project continues to evolve, it potentially symbolizes both Trump’s aspirations for cultural legacy and his enduring fascination with French architecture and military display.
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