What we know about White House plans for an 'Arc de Trump'

October 16, 2025

President Donald Trump is planning to build a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. The proposed "Arc de Trump," modeled after Paris's Arc de Triomphe, would be positioned at the end of Memorial Bridge coming from Arlington National Cemetery and is reportedly being privately funded by Trump's supporters. This monument is part of Trump's broader second-term vision for reshaping the capital, which includes extensive White House renovations, a $250 million ballroom, and clearing homeless encampments.

Who is affected

Washington DC residents and visitors
Tourists and people visiting national monuments
Homeless individuals in encampments throughout the capital
White House staff and visitors
Future presidential administrations

What action is being taken

Trump is actively planning and designing the triumphal arch with multiple size options
Models and renderings of the proposed arch are being displayed during meetings
Private funding is being gathered from Trump supporters for the projects
Trump is conducting tours of the White House to showcase his renovation plans
A "Presidential Walk of Fame" has been installed along the West Wing colonnade

Why it matters

The arch would significantly alter the iconic landscape of Washington DC's National Mall area
It represents an unusual expansion of presidential influence over national monuments beyond the White House
The project coincides with America's 250th anniversary celebration
The renovations reflect Trump's personal aesthetic preferences being applied to historic government buildings
The arch would create a new entry point welcoming visitors to the nation's capital

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC