President Trump unveiled official architectural renderings for the triumphal arch he plans to add to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The proposed monument would stand at one end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge next to the Arlington National Cemetery. Plans were released by the Commission on Fine Arts and produced by Harrison Design, an architecture firm with offices in multiple U.S. cities. The structure is similar to a 3D model Trump showcased previously.
At 250 feet tall, the arch is intended to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Resembling the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the arch is topped with golden eagles and a crowned figure resembling the Statue of Liberty. It features the phrases “One nation under God” and “Liberty and justice for all.” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated the arch will honor American heroes and enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery.
The monument’s construction faces legal challenges from Vietnam War veterans, arguing it violates statutes requiring congressional authorization for commemorative works. Sue Mobley from Monument Lab expressed doubts about the project’s success due to potential legal issues. The White House plans to comply with all legal requirements in the construction process.
The estimated cost of the project, drawing on public and private funds, is still being calculated. The architecture firm Harrison Design did not respond to inquiries about the price tag. Multiple D.C. makeover projects, including the arch, reflect current and potential architectural interventions by the White House in the region.
