A Structure to Eclipse Global Landmarks (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump proposed a massive arch near the Lincoln Memorial, positioning it as a long-overdue addition to the nation’s capital.
A Structure to Eclipse Global Landmarks
Trump described the arch as potentially the tallest ever built, surpassing even Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. During a flight on Air Force One, he expressed a desire for it to stand out above all others, possibly reaching 250 feet in height. Such a scale would loom over the Lincoln Memorial and rival the U.S. Capitol’s stature at 288 feet. He first shared models of varying sizes at a donor dinner in October, favoring the largest version topped with a Lady Liberty statue. The design draws inspiration from French monuments honoring revolutionary heroes, though Trump’s version aims for unprecedented prominence.
Officials plan to form a committee to refine details, including costs and approvals. Local firm Harrison Design has joined the effort, with Trump eyeing a reveal tied to America’s 250th birthday celebrations. No start date for construction emerged yet.
Historical Roots or Revision?
Trump claimed Washington sought an arch for two centuries, citing four eagle statues interrupted by the Civil War and a near-miss in 1902. Records show those eagles adorn the Arlington Memorial Bridge, constructed from 1926 to 1931 to symbolize North-South reconciliation. Congress approved the bridge in 1925, long after the war’s end. A temporary wood-and-plaster Victory Arch stood near the White House in 1919 for World War I’s close but vanished by 1920.
Georgetown history professor Chandra Manning noted the city’s 19th-century struggles with basics like housing and infrastructure left little room for grand memorials. She described pre-Civil War Washington as an unfinished outpost lacking essential buildings. A 2000 peace arch idea faded after September 11. The White House defended the vision, stating Americans had desired such a symbol for nearly 200 years.
Amid a Wave of Capital Transformations
The arch fits Trump’s broader push to reshape Washington using his real estate expertise. He demolished part of the White House East Wing for a $400 million ballroom, claiming historical demand despite scant evidence. Renovations shutter the Kennedy Center for two years, drawing artist protests over alterations. The Rose Garden now features a Mar-a-Lago-style patio, while the Oval Office gained golden accents, cherubs, and oversized flagpoles on the lawns.
Other changes include a presidents’ Walk of Fame along the Colonnade, updates to the Lincoln Bathroom and Palm Room, and efforts to beautify medians and signage. The National Guard aided in clearing homeless encampments. These moves extend presidential influence across the city.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s arch could reach 250 feet, dwarfing the 164-foot Arc de Triomphe.
- Historical claims link to post-Civil War bridge eagles, not pre-war plans.
- Project joins White House ballroom, Kennedy Center overhaul, and garden redesigns.
Trump’s initiatives promise a physical legacy, blending ambition with contested history. As plans advance, they invite questions on preservation versus innovation in the capital. What monuments define America’s story for you? Share in the comments.
