Artist renderings and diagrams for President Trump’s proposed triumphal arch released by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on April 10, 2026.
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Jon Elswick/AP
President Trump revealed detailed architectural plans on Friday for a triumphal arch intended for the National Mall in Washington, D.C. via a post on Truth Social and renderings from the Commission on Fine Arts.
The proposed monument is designed to be located at the Arlington Memorial Bridge entrance, adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery.
These plans, shared by the Commission on Fine Arts, were developed by Harrison Design, a firm with offices across six U.S. cities, including Washington, D.C. The design closely resembles a 3D model that Trump showcased at a White House fundraising event last October.
This model of President Trump’s proposed triumphal arch was shown at a White House press conference on Oct. 15, 2025.
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Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
The monument, standing 250 feet tall, is envisioned as a “fitting recognition of America’s 250th birthday,” according to a White House email to NPR.
A monument aimed at honoring what and whom?
The proposed arch resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but would be nearly 100 feet taller. It features two golden eagles and a winged, crowned figure similar to the Statue of Liberty, with inscriptions reading “One nation under God” and “Liberty and justice for all” on opposing sides.
This structure would tower over the nearby Lincoln Memorial, being more than twice its height.
“The Triumphal Arch in Memorial Circle will be among the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington, D.C., but globally,” remarked White House spokesperson Davis Ingle in an email to NPR. “It will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, their families, and all Americans, serving as a visual reminder of the sacrifices made by countless American heroes over our 250-year history. President Trump aims to continue honoring our veterans while giving America the recognition it deserves.”
When questioned by CBS political correspondent Ed O’Keefe about whom the monument was intended to honor, Trump replied: “Me.” This exchange was documented in a social media video.
A group of Vietnam War veterans filed a lawsuit in February to block the construction of the arch. The lawsuit argues that the project violates requirements for congressional authorization for commemorative works or structures on federal park grounds in D.C.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris as part of the city’s Christmas celebrations (2007).
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Christophe Ena/AP
“It’s textbook Trump,” commented Sue Mobley, director of research at Monument Lab, regarding the planned arch in an NPR interview. The Philadelphia-based nonprofit reimagines public art and structures. “It has to be the biggest. That’s the authoritarian impulse.” Trump has consistently dismissed claims of authoritarianism, denying accusations of being a dictator.
Mobley also expressed skepticism about the project’s realization. “It will likely get tied up in court,” she stated.
Approval process
The White House has committed to adhering to “all legal requirements” for building the triumphal arch. As part of the process, the National Park Service recently requested to present design options to the Commission on Fine Arts. The plans are scheduled for review next week. The commission currently consists entirely of members appointed by Trump. (In October 2025, Trump made the unusual decision to remove six sitting members of the commission.) The National Capital Planning Commission, the main federal planning agency for the National Capital Region, is also expected to review the plans.
The White House has not finalized the cost of the project, which is expected to be funded through a mix of public and private resources. Harrison Design, the architecture firm behind the project, has not yet provided NPR with cost details.
Multiple D.C. makeover projects
The arch proposal is part of a broader series of architectural initiatives by the White House in the Washington, D.C. area.
Most notably, the administration is advancing a $400 million plan to construct a neoclassical ballroom at the White House. A federal appeals court recently allowed the ballroom’s construction to proceed temporarily while the administration appeals a March ruling that requires congressional approval. Meanwhile, the historic East Wing has already been demolished for the new structure.
Trump has transformed the White House Rose Garden into a stone-covered patio. Plans also include shutting down The Kennedy Center for two years for a major renovation, which has faced opposition from various groups, leading to a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Additionally, architectural changes are proposed for Washington Dulles International Airport as part of a Department of Transportation initiative to overhaul the airport, with firms like Zaha Hadid Architects and Adjaye Associates submitting proposals.
In August, the president signed an executive order mandating that new federal buildings with budgets over $50 million be designed in “classical” or “traditional” styles.
Anastasia Tsioulcas contributed to this story.
