President Donald Trump has unveiled ambitious plans for two major projects to commemorate the United States' upcoming 250th anniversary, offering fresh details in a candid phone interview.
The 'Arc de Trump': A New Monument for the Capital
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort, President Trump confirmed that construction on a 'Triumphal Arch', colloquially nicknamed the 'Arc de Trump', is set to begin within the next two months. The structure, inspired by Paris's Arc de Triomphe, will be situated in the centre of an existing traffic circle on the Virginia side of the Potomac River.
"It hasn't started yet. It starts sometime in the next two months. It'll be great. Everyone loves it," Trump stated, adding that while visitors admire his controversial White House ballroom, "they love the Triumphal Arch."
The arch is intended as a centrepiece for the nation's Semiquincentennial celebrations, which officially commenced with a light show projected onto the Washington Monument. Trump has positioned the project as part of his effort to beautify Washington, D.C., suggesting the location has long felt incomplete.
Ultimate Fighting Championship on the South Lawn
In a more unconventional celebration, President Trump plans to host Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bouts on the White House's South Lawn. He revealed the event will take place on June 14th, which also coincides with his 80th birthday.
"Many matches, like 10," will be held on the grounds, with the fight card being curated by UFC President Dana White, a longtime friend of Trump. "He's going to pick all of the top fighters. Going to be all championship matches. It'll be the best ever, I think," Trump told Politico.
Controversy and a Hands-On Presidential Style
These personal projects underscore Trump's hands-on, and often controversial, approach to the presidency, which frequently prioritises spectacle and personal legacy alongside traditional policy. This mirrors his first-term push to redesign Air Force One, a goal partially realised through a gifted Qatari jet featuring his preferred red, white, and blue livery.
The arch project has faced less immediate regulatory scrutiny compared to the White House ballroom, which sparked a legal battle with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. That controversy erupted after the entire East Wing was demolished without prior public disclosure to make way for the new construction, drawing criticism from veterans of both Democratic and Republican administrations.
While showcasing models of the arch to donors in October, Trump referenced the site's history, noting plans from 1902 to erect a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee there, remarking, "Would have been OK with me."
As the 250th anniversary festivities gain momentum, these dual projects—a monumental arch and a combat sports spectacle—epitomise the blending of national celebration with the distinct personal imprint of the 45th president.
