In what would have been one of the most brazen acts of presidential self-aggrandisement in American history, Donald Trump allegedly pursued plans to construct a monumental arch in Washington DC that would have dramatically overshadowed the iconic Washington Monument.
According to documents obtained by The Independent, the former president's vision included a French-inspired triumphal arch positioned strategically to create what insiders dubbed "Trump's Washington" - a reimagining of the national mall that would permanently etch his legacy into the capital's skyline.
A Monument to Vanity
The proposed structure, drawing clear inspiration from Paris's Arc de Triomphe, was intended to stand as a testament to Trump's presidency. Multiple sources confirm the plans were seriously considered during his administration, with architectural renderings commissioned to illustrate how the arch would dominate the surrounding landscape.
One insider described the project as "the architectural equivalent of a gold-plated toilet" - extravagant, unnecessary, and designed primarily to feed the former president's ego.
Dwarfing American History
What made the proposal particularly controversial was its deliberate positioning to diminish the Washington Monument, one of America's most cherished landmarks. The 555-foot obelisk, built to honour the nation's first president, would have been visually overpowered by Trump's arch in numerous sightlines around the capital.
Historical preservationists and architecture critics expressed horror at the concept, with one describing it as "cultural vandalism on a monumental scale."
The French Connection
The choice of a French architectural style raised eyebrows among political observers. Trump frequently criticised France during his presidency, particularly targeting French President Emmanuel Macron. The irony of appropriating one of France's most iconic structures while publicly disparaging the country wasn't lost on administration officials.
"It was the ultimate Trump contradiction," noted one former aide. "He'd mock the French one day and want to copy their architecture the next."
Legacy Building or Ego Trip?
The revelation raises serious questions about how presidents should memorialise their time in office. While previous commanders-in-chief have established libraries and foundations, Trump's approach appears focused on permanent physical structures that command public attention.
Critics argue that such projects represent a fundamental misunderstanding of presidential legacy, prioritising physical monuments over policy achievements or service to the nation.
The "Arc de Trump" ultimately never progressed beyond the planning stages, but its consideration offers a revealing glimpse into the former president's priorities and self-perception. As one architectural historian noted, "It tells you everything you need to know about how he views leadership, legacy, and his place in American history."
