Call it “Arc de Trump.”
President Trump recently shared an architectural drawing of a colossal Arc de Triomphe intended to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. This structure represents the most significant alteration to the Washington, D.C. skyline so far.
Set to rise across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, this stone arch will surpass the memorial’s height of 99 feet, making a substantial addition to the capital’s public architecture.
Sketches circulating online show a monumental design similar to the arches found in both Manhattan’s Washington Square Park and Paris’s famed Arc de Triomphe.
The proposed stone monument features intricate carvings, including a wreath, two large eagles facing east, and an angel with golden wings holding a scepter.
This design was created by architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, who works at Harrison Design’s Sacred Architecture Studio, which specializes in ecclesiastical architecture.
According to an insider familiar with the project, “He is a very talented classical architect. Though his focus is mostly on sacred structures, his classical approach is refreshing—he doesn’t merely replicate standard designs.”
The initial reveal of Trump’s construction vision appeared in a small-scale model displayed in the Oval Office, as reported by the AFP news agency.
The project’s details remain vague, but it’s anticipated to feature prominently in a year filled with celebrations in 2026, including an exciting mixed martial arts event at the White House.
Interestingly, sources indicate that the idea for the commemorative arch stemmed from an article by Catesby Lee, written shortly before Trump took office. Lee had suggested creating a temporary arch to honor the historical significance of Washington’s first inauguration, drawing connections to grand traditions dating back to Roman architecture.
However, specifics such as cost, construction timelines, and funding sources remain unclear, and the White House has not commented on inquiries.
The arch would sit on undeveloped land within the grassy area between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. On its opposite side stands Arlington House, the former Custis family estate, which serves as a monument to George Washington.
This project isn’t Trump’s only endeavor in shaping the city. He’s also overseeing the addition of two 88-foot flagpoles on either side of the White House, among other developments.
Work is already underway on a large building designed to include a 25,000-square-foot ballroom connected to the East Wing of the White House, which will be larger than the existing 55,000-square-foot executive mansion.
After selling a high-rise hotel in D.C. at the end of his first term, Trump has also overseen the installation of the new flagpoles and engaged in a design overhaul of the Oval Office, incorporating lavish gold elements.
Additionally, he redesigned the cabinet room, utilizing new art and artifacts from the White House collection, and laid white paving stones in the Rose Garden.
Among Trump’s other projects are a planned “Garden of Heroes” as well as initiatives aimed at preserving the classical essence of federal architecture while rethinking some of the more modernist structures from the 20th century.
