US President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a massive Arc de Triomphe in the US capital — a monument to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence next year. The structure, which is closely modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, has already earned the nickname “Arc de Trump”.
What is Arc de Trump?
The Arc de Trump is a proposed monumental arch that President Trump says will serve as the “gateway to Washington, DC” The arch would stand at the entrance to the Arlington Memorial Bridge, directly across from the Lincoln Memorial, in the center of Memorial Circle.
Renderings and 3D models presented by Trump show several design options – small, medium and large – with one version said to be larger than France’s iconic Arc de Triomphe. Trump described it as a “really beautiful” accessory that would celebrate America’s founding while also symbolizing strength and unity.
Where will it be built?
The arch is planned for Memorial Circle, a site Trump noted has long been vacant despite earlier designs dating back to the 19th century. “Everybody said in the past that something should have been built there. But this thing called the Civil War intervened,” he said during his announcement.
As it was announced
Trump unveiled the project at an Oct. 15 White House donor dinner held in the East Room to thank donors for funding the 90,000-square-foot White House standalone ballroom now under construction.
Before the official announcement, a reporter spotted a model of the arch on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office. Asked what it was, Trump replied, “It’s an arch… It’s going to be built.” When asked for whom, he added, “For me!”
Funding and Donors
The arc’s funding plan remains unclear. Trump did not specify its cost or timeline, but suggested that remaining funds from the privately funded ballroom project could go toward building the arch.
The dinner was attended by representatives of major US corporations including Google, Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin and Palantir, as well as crypto entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. Trump praised the donors’ generosity, joking: “Some of you said, ‘Sir, would $25 million be appropriate?’ I said, ‘I’ll take it’.”
Trump’s design legacy
Since returning to the White House nine months ago, Trump has personally overseen several renovations — from gold trim in the Oval Office to changes to the Rose Garden. He told donors that architecture and real estate came naturally to him:
“Realities are relaxing for me. I consider myself an important designer because they come up with things that can be good designers, but boy, the things they can recommend are terrible.”
Trump compared his plans to past presidents who have left their mark on the White House — from James Monroe’s South Portico to Harry Truman’s Balcony — and said he wants to continue that tradition.
Why it matters
Arc de Trump represents one of Trump’s most ambitious legacy projects — a blend of patriotic symbolism, personal branding and real estate vision. While the details of funding and approval are still unclear, Trump said the final design will be “great” and could even serve as a site for future presidential inaugurations.
“It’s going to be really beautiful,” Trump said. “For me — and for America.
