President Trump envisions D.C. arch to mark 250th anniversary of U.S.
On Wednesday, President Trump showed off plans for a major new monument to be potentially added to Washington, D.C.: a grand, classically styled arch topped with eagles and a gilded, winged statue that suggests Victory.
A watercolor rendition of the proposed arch posted online last month by architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau of Harrison Design, and reposted by the president on his Truth Social account, shows a monument that bears strong aesthetic similarities to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe and the Soldiers and Sailors’ Memorial Arch in Brooklyn. (Wags have already dubbed the proposed monument from the former real estate developer the “Arc de Trump.”) The renderings also evoke the neoclassical architectural style favored by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
Journalists leaving an Oval Office event Wednesday asked the president who the proposed arch would be built for. He replied: “Me.”
On Wednesday evening, at a fundraising dinner in the East Room to benefit his planned $250 million ballroom addition to the White House, the president displayed three differently scaled models of the possible arch – the largest of which would appear to dwarf nearby iconic, existing structures, including the Lincoln Memorial.
“Whichever one would look good. I happen to think the large one,” he said.
The proposed arch, which is being discussed as a commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary next year, would be located in a traffic circle between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
The design of any new federal building or memorial is supposed to be approved by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which is currently closed due to the government shutdown.
NPR reached out for comment to the White House, including regarding the CFA’s potential involvement and a timeline for construction. The White House referred NPR back to the president’s comments at the Oval Office and the fundraising dinner on Wednesday.
Additional reporting by Elizabeth Blair.
Our top global photo stories from 2025: Fearless women, solo polar bear, healing soups
These stunning photos include a polar bear in a Chinese zoo, a teen in Zambia facing an uncertain future, Mongolian kids watching TV in a tent, a chef prepping a bowl of good-for-you soup.
ADHD drugs may work indirectly to boost attention
Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin appear to help children with ADHD by activating brain areas involved in alertness and motivation.
Russia attacks Kyiv, killing 1 and wounding many ahead of Ukraine-US talks
Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with missiles and drones early Saturday morning, killing one and wounding over 20 people a day before talks between Ukraine and the U.S., local authorities said.
Myanmar is set to hold phased elections. Here’s why they’re being called a ‘sham’
Myanmar's military rulers are holding a general election in phases starting Dec. 28 amid the country's civil war. The head of the U.N. says the vote will be anything but free and fair.
Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, dies at 65
Perry Archangelo Bamonte, longtime guitarist and keyboardist for the influential goth band The Cure, has died. He was 65. The band announced his death on their official website on Friday.
Judge to hold hearing on whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being vindictively prosecuted
A federal judge this week canceled the trial of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and scheduled a hearing on whether the prosecution is being vindictive in pursuing a human smuggling case against him.
