Introducing the Arc de Trump.
President Trump has unveiled an architect’s design for a grand triumphal arch to commemorate the nation’s 250th birthday, promising his most significant alteration to the skyline of the capital so far.
This monumental stone arch would be located on the opposite bank of the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, towering over its 99-foot height and providing a striking addition to Washington, D.C.’s architectural landscape.
According to the online sketch, the large structure is reminiscent of both the Washington Square Park arch in New York City and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
This stone edifice showcases intricately carved wreaths, two large eagles positioned to the East, and a golden winged angel wielding a scepter.
The concept originates from architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, a partner at Harrison Design, whose Sacred Architecture Studio specializes in sacred buildings.
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“He’s an extraordinarily skilled classical architect,” a source with knowledge of the project told The Post. “His expertise primarily lies in sacred architecture, but he’s a true classical architect and not merely someone reproducing column designs.”
The first hint of Trump’s ambitious plans for the Washington skyline emerged from a small-scale model displayed in the Oval Office. Images of the design model were shared by AFP, showing it placed on the president’s desk last Thursday.
The immense scale of preparations for the project has only recently become evident, as Trump aims to fill 2026 with celebrations, including a Mixed Martial Arts event hosted at the White House.
The vision for a monumental arch commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence can be traced back to a suggestion by Catesby Leigh in an article published shortly before Trump’s inauguration.
The architecture critic advocated for a temporary arch, referencing historical examples that highlighted the tradition dating back to Roman times.
Details about the cost, construction timeline, or sources of funding remain undisclosed, and the White House did not promptly provide a comment.
The arch would occupy an undeveloped area between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, situated within a grassy traffic circle.
On the opposite side would be Arlington House, a mansion erected by the Custis family as a tribute to George Washington.
This arch would be just one of many new features Trump intends to add to the city.
Construction has already commenced on a new 90,000-square-foot building that will include a 25,000-square-foot ballroom connected to the East Wing of the White House.
This forthcoming structure is expected to exceed the size of the existing 55,000-square-foot executive residence.
Despite selling his towering D.C. hotel after his first term, Trump has managed to install two 88-foot flagpoles north and south of the White House.
In addition, he has embarked on a design revival, redecorating the Oval Office and incorporating numerous golden accents.
He has retrieved new art and artifacts from the White House collection to refresh the Cabinet Room, alongside laying white paving stones in the Rose Garden.
Among Trump’s latest endeavors includes the “Garden of Heroes,” which he has mandated to be created, alongside plans to ensure a classical aesthetic in federal buildings while re-evaluating some of the brutalist structures from the 20th century.
