President Donald Trump has revealed comprehensive plans to erect a substantial triumphal arch in the capital, scheduled to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence next year.
Addressing donors at a dinner in the East Room of the White House, the President showcased project renderings, alongside a collection of models varying in size.
“This would be small, medium, and large… I personally believe the large one is by far the most impressive,” he commented, displaying different models of the structure.
The arch, intended for construction opposite the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., has already been christened the ‘Arc de Trump’.
According to the renderings and models, the new arch, which bears a resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, would be situated across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. The blueprints illustrate the arch positioned in the center of the Memorial Circle roundabout, facing the direction of the White House.
At the conclusion of a press conference in the Oval Office on Wednesday, prior to the dinner, Trump was questioned about the arch, a model of which rested on his desk. “Who is it for?” he was asked. “Me. It’s going to be beautiful,” President Trump responded.
“The Arc de Trump?” O’Keefe suggested as a potential designation. TIME has contacted the White House for additional information regarding the arch.
While the cost and construction timeline for the arch remain undisclosed, a suitable architect for the undertaking might have been identified.
Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, a partner at the architectural firm Harrison Design, created a watercolor rendering of the arch in early September. “America needs a triumphal arch,” Charbonneau stated, adding that the proposal aimed to mark Independence Day in 2026.
Trump subsequently posted about the plans on Truth Social last week.
These were not the only architectural plans Trump discussed. At the dinner, he also provided an update on another one of his projects aimed at revamping the U.S. Capital’s landscape. The President unveiled ongoing construction for a lavish White House ballroom announced in July.
Drawing back curtains from a window overlooking the construction, Trump presented to guests the progress achieved on the $200 million ballroom, which he stated is fully funded and will accommodate 999 people, even though the White House had originally cited capacity as .
Trump thanked attendees for their contributions to the project, indicating that any remaining funds would likely be allocated towards the arch’s construction.
He also acknowledged the Presidential walk of fame at the White House, where a photograph featuring former President Joe Biden’s autopen signature had been displayed instead of Biden’s official portrait.
Within the White House, the President has also introduced his distinctive aesthetic. The Oval Office has undergone a transformation during Trump’s second tenure, now incorporating elements such as chairs, gold accents on doorways, and portrait frames. This represents a notable departure from previous Presidents, who typically favored more understated color schemes and furnishings during their terms in office.