President Donald Trump's envisioned 'Triumphal Arch' monument is set to reach a staggering height of 250 feet, according to newly disclosed documents, far exceeding previous estimates and towering over iconic structures in the Washington, D.C. area.
Monumental Scale and Comparisons
Insiders have revealed to the Washington Post that the proposed arch's dimensions will make it substantially taller than other famous landmarks. At 250 feet, it would dwarf France's Arc de Triomphe, which stands at 164 feet, and significantly overshadow the White House at 70 feet and the nearby Lincoln Memorial at 99 feet.
Evolution of the Design
Trump initially considered smaller versions of the monument, with designs measuring 123 feet and 165 feet shared last year. However, sources indicate he settled on the '250 for 250' concept, aligning the height with America's 250th birthday celebrations, believing it would more effectively impress tourists and visitors.
Location and Funding Details
The arch is planned for a traffic circle on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, positioned between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Funding for the project will be sourced from leftover private donations originally allocated for the White House ballroom renovation.
Broader Celebratory Initiatives
Trump has pitched the arch as a centrepiece for the country's Semiquincentennial festivities, telling Politico it enjoys broad support among his followers. The monument is part of a suite of high-profile initiatives, including a UFC fight night on the White House South Lawn timed to his 80th birthday and a large-scale light display projected onto the Washington Monument.
Construction Timeline and Historical Context
Last year, Trump stated from Mar-a-Lago that construction on the 'Triumphal Arch', nicknamed the 'Arc de Trump', would begin within two months, though it has not yet commenced. He argued in donor meetings that both the arch and ballroom renovation would 'beautify' Washington, earmarking the empty traffic circle near Arlington Memorial Bridge as a site that always 'belonged' to something monumental.
Architectural and Historical Concerns
Some architects and historians have raised alarms, warning that a 250-foot structure could block historic sightlines and distort views between Arlington House, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Lincoln Memorial. Art critic Catesby Leigh, who proposed a temporary 60-foot concept in a 2024 essay, has objected to Trump's supersized vision.
Design Development and Variants
The White House has retained architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau to develop designs for the arch, exploring options ranging from classical stone to gold-gilded variants. A model of the 'Triumphal Arch' was photographed on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office in October, highlighting its prominence in Trump's plans.
This monument represents Trump's latest venture into construction, following his controversial renovations at the White House, and underscores his focus on legacy projects as part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
