washington

The U.S. Board of Fine Arts has decided to proceed with plans for a 250-foot Arc de Triomphe aimed at solidifying President Donald Trump’s legacy in Washington, D.C.

During a public meeting, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum presented the U.S. Arc de Triomphe project to the Commission on Fine Arts (CFA). The National Park Service will manage both the construction and ongoing maintenance of the arch. Scheduled to be completed by July 2028, the project has an estimated budget of $15 million and is intended to honor “American freedom, American unity, American strength, and the American Dream,” as noted by Burgum.

This arch will be located within an empty loop road on a man-made island in Virginia, welcoming visitors crossing the Memorial Bridge between Arlington Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. It’s designed to stand more than twice as high as the 99-foot Lincoln Memorial but will be about half the height of the Washington Monument, which reaches about 555 feet.

The arch will feature a 60-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, along with eagles and lions, all plated in 24-karat gold. Golden letters will display phrases from the Pledge of Allegiance. While vehicles will circulate around the arch, pedestrians will have access to enter and possibly climb up to an observation deck for unique views of the capital.

Burgum expressed optimism that structures like this would enhance Washington’s historic landscape, stating, “Great nations create beautiful buildings and artworks that inspire national pride.” He hopes the American Arc de Triomphe will become a source of pride for all Americans.

After Burgum left, lead architect Nicolas Charbonneau from Harrison Designs took the floor, elaborating on the design and addressing various committee questions. Some commissioners raised concerns. Rodney Mims Cook Jr., a Trump appointee, inquired about the structural integrity needed to prevent sinking into the ground. Vice Chair James McCleary II pointed out challenges around accessibility and the flow of both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

Cook added, “This is a personal matter for the president,” while McCleary questioned the necessity of the proposed carvings, which he noted aren’t native to North America.

Additionally, nearly 1,000 public comments were submitted against the project, citing concerns over its size, cost, and the intention behind it, especially in relation to historical landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Despite this, the meeting proceeded without disruption, though a small protest occurred outside beforehand.

Only one member of the public spoke in favor of the arch. Tennessee attorney H. Edward Phillips III highlighted its potential to symbolize a connection between the North and South after the Civil War, remarking on the respect due to veterans’ sacrifices.

Cook ended the meeting with a quote from President Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing the importance of getting this project right. The commissioners unanimously approved the concept design, with a final vote to be held on May 21. They then moved on to discuss other proposals related to the White House.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt described the arch as “beautiful,” and projected it will inspire future generations. She emphasized its significance in commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence.

President Trump had teased the arch a week before a major renovation of the East Wing of the White House began. He promised a stunning result, claiming it would be “the greatest and most beautiful Arc de Triomphe anywhere in the world.”

Trump suggests that the U.S. version will surpass its Paris counterpart, noting that they will eventually also have a history to celebrate.

The project has already faced legal challenges, with three veterans filing complaints. They argue it could detract from the experience of visiting Arlington Cemetery and diminish the honor of veterans’ sacrifices.

Ultimately, the CFA, established in 1910, advises on matters that affect the design and aesthetics of the nation’s capital. In a move to align with his administration’s focus, President Trump replaced six commissioners previously appointed by former President Biden, aiming to ensure a court-ordered review of the East Wing project.