Trump Proposes 'Independence Arch' Opposite Lincoln Memorial

President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a grand “Independence Arch,” dubbed by some the “Arc de Trump,” at a White House donor dinner, displaying three scale models and saying the monument would mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Arc de Triomphe–style design, shown in renderings and models topped with eagles and a gilded Lady Liberty/winged Victory figure, would sit in the traffic circle at the foot of the Arlington Memorial Bridge across from the Lincoln Memorial. Trump said he preferred the largest version and suggested leftover funds from his privately funded, 90,000‑square‑foot White House ballroom project could be used, but officials have not provided a construction timeline or firm cost estimate. It remains unclear what approvals or federal design reviews would be required — the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and other review processes have not been publicly engaged — and the White House has given few details on permitting or funding. The proposal is the latest in a series of high‑profile White House building and redesign projects the president has pursued since returning to the presidency.