President Donald Trump recently shared exciting news about his administration’s plans to construct a “triumphal” arch in the capital—Washington D.C.
During a gathering at the White House this past Sunday, he announced that his former speechwriter and director of domestic policy, Vince Haley, has been assigned the crucial role of overseeing this remarkable project located close to the Lincoln Memorial.
As Trump put it, “We are planning something unbelievable. I’ve put Vince in charge of the triumphal arch. It will be similar to the Arc de Triomphe, and we’re building it near the Arlington Bridge, facing the Lincoln Memorial.”
This ambitious project was first brought to light back in October when Agence France-Presse shared a photo of a map in the White House that hinted at the new arch on the Potomac River. While detailed information is still scarce, some internet critics have humorously referred to the idea as the “Arc de Trump.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House for an official comment, but received no response during off-hours.
Why It’s Important
Trump has also been making some renovations to the White House which has sparked a mix of acceptance and criticism among the public. Supporters argue that any renovations can enhance historical landmarks, while opponents feel these changes could compromise the integrity of such sites.
Any transformation in D.C. is likely to strengthen Trump’s legacy, paving the way for new job opportunities; however, it might also provoke debates over presidential overreach.
Key Points to Note
The president emphasized that Washington D.C. is “the only major city worldwide without a triumphal arch.”
Trump stated, “This will be something really special. It’s going to be reminiscent of the Paris arch, but honestly, it will far outshine it.” The Parisian structure, the Arc de Triomphe, was built to honor soldiers who fought in significant wars in French history during the 19th century.
“We’ll create something that has never been attempted before,” he added confidently.
Back in October, Trump shared an artistic concept for the arch created by architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau on his platform, Truth Social, though whether this architect is actually connected to the project remains unclear.
Additionally, he showcased various images and designs for the structure during meetings in the White House.
Public Reactions
Political cartoonist Nick Anderson recently made headlines with a satirical take, depicting an arch crafted from files linked to Jeffrey Epstein, humorously labeling it the “Arc de Trump.”
Senator Elizabeth Warren chimed in on intention behind the project on December 8 through a post on X, stating: “Because of the chaotic policies from Republicans, 120,000 small business employees have been let go, grocery and utility costs have surged, while health care expenses are ballooning. Yet, Trump remains focused on constructing a massive ‘Arc de Trump.'”
In a chat with donors earlier, Trump claimed, “Every time someone crosses that stunning bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, they sense something is meant to be here. We have many ideas for that—this is just a blueprint.”
Moving Forward
As of now, Trump hasn’t indicated any specific timeline or additional details regarding the construction of the arch.
