Former President Donald J. Trump has long been known for his larger-than-life ambitions, both in business and in politics.
Since leaving office, he has repeatedly spoken about his vision for restoring what he sees as America’s “greatness,” not just through policies and leadership but through architecture and symbolism.
Now, new reports suggest that Trump has even grander plans for Washington, D.C.—including a new monument that could overshadow one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, the Lincoln Memorial.
According to a report from Axios, Trump has proposed building a monumental arch called the “Arc de Trump.” Modeled after Paris’s famed Arc de Triomphe, the structure would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, set to be celebrated in 2026.
Early designs suggest that it could stand even taller and more imposing than the Lincoln Memorial itself—a symbol of Trump’s desire to leave behind a legacy not only in politics but in the very skyline of the nation’s capital.
White House Changes Spark Controversy
Trump’s ambitious vision for American architecture has already begun to stir controversy. Reports indicate that the East Wing of the White House—a structure deeply tied to the history and operations of the presidency—has been demolished to make room for a grand new ballroom.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions from historians, preservationists, and the public.
Critics argue that tearing down part of such an important historic building undermines the White House’s integrity and erases a tangible piece of American history.
They see it as yet another example of Trump prioritizing spectacle over tradition.
Supporters, on the other hand, argue that modernization is necessary and that the addition of a ballroom could enhance the White House’s ability to host major events, state dinners, and international receptions—turning it into a space more fitting for a global stage.
While many initially dismissed the reports as exaggeration or satire, insiders have confirmed that Trump’s interest in large-scale architectural projects is serious and ongoing.
Satirical images that circulated online—depicting a giant monument with Trump’s face on it—were humorous exaggerations, but they weren’t entirely detached from reality.
The “Arc de Trump”: A Monument to Grandeur
Sources close to the former president have described the “Arc de Trump” as one of the largest and most symbolic construction projects envisioned for Washington in decades.
According to Axios, the monument’s cost is estimated at around $100 million, with funding expected to come from private donors and fundraising initiatives rather than taxpayer money.
The monument’s proposed location would make it one of the first landmarks visible to visitors entering the capital from Arlington National Cemetery, as they cross the Memorial Bridge toward the National Mall.
The idea, reportedly, is that the arch would serve as a gateway to the heart of America’s democracy—a grand entrance that echoes the triumphal arches of Europe while representing American freedom, resilience, and victory.
“It’s what he’s talking about,” an insider close to Trump told Axios. “There’s a small arch, a middle arch, and a large arch. And he likes the large one, of course—as long as it’s big, gold, and white.”
The aesthetic vision appears to reflect Trump’s signature style—luxurious, bold, and unmistakably grand.
According to people familiar with the early designs, the monument would feature marble eagles and possibly a gold-plated statue of Lady Liberty at its center, merging patriotic symbolism with Trump’s trademark taste for opulence.
Trump’s Personal Interest and Public Reaction
Trump himself has reportedly shown strong enthusiasm for the project. During a private meeting with donors last October, he presented mock-up designs for the “Arc de Trump,” holding up a model and explaining his vision.
“Every time somebody rides over that beautiful bridge to the Lincoln Memorial,” Trump said, “they literally say something is supposed to be here. We have versions of it… This is a mock-up.”
In those discussions, Trump reportedly emphasized that the monument should be “larger, brighter, and more magnificent” than anything currently in Washington.
His comments, shared with Time magazine, further underlined his preference for scale: “There’s a small, medium, and large version,” he said. “I happen to think the large one looks the best.”
Public reaction has been predictably divided. Supporters of Trump see the proposed monument as a patriotic gesture—one that celebrates America’s founding, while also paying tribute to strength and resilience.
They argue that Washington’s architecture should continue to evolve, and that the Arc de Trump could become a new national landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Critics, however, view it differently. Many historians and architects worry that building such a monument would disrupt the delicate balance of Washington’s neoclassical design, which was carefully planned to reflect democratic values and humility rather than grandeur.
Others suggest that a project bearing Trump’s name would be too politically charged, potentially deepening national divides rather than uniting people in celebration.
A Legacy in Stone
Whether or not the Arc de Trump is ever built, the proposal fits neatly into Donald Trump’s lifelong fascination with monuments, architecture, and legacy.
From the golden towers of New York to his golf courses across the globe, Trump has always sought to leave his mark on the landscape.
Now, with the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching, he appears eager to leave behind a permanent monument to American greatness—and, by extension, to himself.
For Trump’s admirers, it would be a symbol of national pride and achievement. For his detractors, it’s another example of excess and ego.
But for everyone watching, it is yet another reminder that Donald Trump’s ambitions—like the proposed arch itself—show no sign of being small.
Former President Donald J. Trump has long been known for his larger-than-life ambitions, both in business and in politics.
Since leaving office, he has repeatedly spoken about his vision for restoring what he sees as America’s “greatness,” not just through policies and leadership but through architecture and symbolism.
Now, new reports suggest that Trump has even grander plans for Washington, D.C.—including a new monument that could overshadow one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, the Lincoln Memorial.
According to a report from Axios, Trump has proposed building a monumental arch called the “Arc de Trump.” Modeled after Paris’s famed Arc de Triomphe, the structure would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, set to be celebrated in 2026.
Early designs suggest that it could stand even taller and more imposing than the Lincoln Memorial itself—a symbol of Trump’s desire to leave behind a legacy not only in politics but in the very skyline of the nation’s capital.
White House Changes Spark Controversy
Trump’s ambitious vision for American architecture has already begun to stir controversy. Reports indicate that the East Wing of the White House—a structure deeply tied to the history and operations of the presidency—has been demolished to make room for a grand new ballroom.
The decision has been met with mixed reactions from historians, preservationists, and the public.
Critics argue that tearing down part of such an important historic building undermines the White House’s integrity and erases a tangible piece of American history.
They see it as yet another example of Trump prioritizing spectacle over tradition.
Supporters, on the other hand, argue that modernization is necessary and that the addition of a ballroom could enhance the White House’s ability to host major events, state dinners, and international receptions—turning it into a space more fitting for a global stage.
While many initially dismissed the reports as exaggeration or satire, insiders have confirmed that Trump’s interest in large-scale architectural projects is serious and ongoing.
Satirical images that circulated online—depicting a giant monument with Trump’s face on it—were humorous exaggerations, but they weren’t entirely detached from reality.
The “Arc de Trump”: A Monument to Grandeur
Sources close to the former president have described the “Arc de Trump” as one of the largest and most symbolic construction projects envisioned for Washington in decades.
According to Axios, the monument’s cost is estimated at around $100 million, with funding expected to come from private donors and fundraising initiatives rather than taxpayer money.
The monument’s proposed location would make it one of the first landmarks visible to visitors entering the capital from Arlington National Cemetery, as they cross the Memorial Bridge toward the National Mall.
The idea, reportedly, is that the arch would serve as a gateway to the heart of America’s democracy—a grand entrance that echoes the triumphal arches of Europe while representing American freedom, resilience, and victory.
“It’s what he’s talking about,” an insider close to Trump told Axios. “There’s a small arch, a middle arch, and a large arch. And he likes the large one, of course—as long as it’s big, gold, and white.”
The aesthetic vision appears to reflect Trump’s signature style—luxurious, bold, and unmistakably grand.
According to people familiar with the early designs, the monument would feature marble eagles and possibly a gold-plated statue of Lady Liberty at its center, merging patriotic symbolism with Trump’s trademark taste for opulence.
Trump’s Personal Interest and Public Reaction
Trump himself has reportedly shown strong enthusiasm for the project. During a private meeting with donors last October, he presented mock-up designs for the “Arc de Trump,” holding up a model and explaining his vision.
“Every time somebody rides over that beautiful bridge to the Lincoln Memorial,” Trump said, “they literally say something is supposed to be here. We have versions of it… This is a mock-up.”
In those discussions, Trump reportedly emphasized that the monument should be “larger, brighter, and more magnificent” than anything currently in Washington.
His comments, shared with Time magazine, further underlined his preference for scale: “There’s a small, medium, and large version,” he said. “I happen to think the large one looks the best.”
Public reaction has been predictably divided. Supporters of Trump see the proposed monument as a patriotic gesture—one that celebrates America’s founding, while also paying tribute to strength and resilience.
They argue that Washington’s architecture should continue to evolve, and that the Arc de Trump could become a new national landmark, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Critics, however, view it differently. Many historians and architects worry that building such a monument would disrupt the delicate balance of Washington’s neoclassical design, which was carefully planned to reflect democratic values and humility rather than grandeur.
Others suggest that a project bearing Trump’s name would be too politically charged, potentially deepening national divides rather than uniting people in celebration.
A Legacy in Stone
Whether or not the Arc de Trump is ever built, the proposal fits neatly into Donald Trump’s lifelong fascination with monuments, architecture, and legacy.
From the golden towers of New York to his golf courses across the globe, Trump has always sought to leave his mark on the landscape.
Now, with the 250th anniversary of the United States approaching, he appears eager to leave behind a permanent monument to American greatness—and, by extension, to himself.
For Trump’s admirers, it would be a symbol of national pride and achievement. For his detractors, it’s another example of excess and ego.
But for everyone watching, it is yet another reminder that Donald Trump’s ambitions—like the proposed arch itself—show no sign of being small.