President Donald Trump announced Saturday that his administration is moving forward with plans for a major new construction project in Washington, D.C., unveiling an ambitious proposal that would add a dramatic new landmark to the nation’s capital.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One, the president said he is considering the construction of a massive ceremonial arch inspired by the historic Arc de Triomphe in Paris — but designed to be even larger and more imposing.
“We’re forming a committee to look at it very carefully, but this will be something substantial,” Trump said. “I want it to be the biggest one of all. We’re the biggest and most powerful nation, and it should reflect that.”
A Monument Meant to Honor America’s Strength
Trump first introduced the idea last October during a private dinner with donors supporting renovations to the White House ballroom. At that time, he suggested the arch would be located near the Lincoln Memorial, placing it among the most recognizable symbols of American history.
According to reporting from The Washington Post, the proposed structure could stand as tall as 250 feet — far surpassing the 164-foot Arc de Triomphe in Paris. If completed at that height, it would also exceed Mexico City’s Monumento a la Revolución, which currently measures about 220 feet.
That would make Trump’s proposed monument the largest arch in the world.
Permanent Structure Tied to America’s 250th Anniversary
Administration officials say the president originally considered a temporary installation but ultimately decided the arch should be a permanent structure. The monument would serve as a lasting tribute to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, a milestone the Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized as a moment of national pride.
Construction could begin as early as 2026, pending final approvals and design decisions.
“There are dozens of major cities around the world that have arches like this,” Trump told reporters. “Washington, D.C. doesn’t — and that doesn’t make sense. We’re going to change that.”
A New Landmark for the Nation’s Capital
Trump said the arch would be designed to be both visually striking and historically meaningful, adding that it would quickly become one of the most recognizable monuments in the United States.
“It’s going to be an unbelievable arc,” the president said. “I think it will be the most beautiful in the world, and it’s going to be built right there.”
If approved, the project would stand as one of the most significant additions to Washington’s skyline in decades, reinforcing the Trump administration’s focus on American exceptionalism, national heritage, and large-scale infrastructure tied to historic anniversaries.