Trump Proposes Monumental 'Independence Arch' for Washington D.C.
Former US President Donald Trump reportedly intends to construct an arch in Washington D.C. that would surpass the height of the Lincoln Memorial. The planned "Independence Arch" is envisioned to be 250 feet tall, significantly taller than the 100-foot Lincoln Memorial and Paris's 164-foot Arc de Triomphe, though less than half the height of St. Louis's Gateway Arch.
Trump has reportedly identified a site near Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River, according to sources familiar with the plans. This architectural proposal follows Trump's ongoing construction of a new 89,000-square-foot East Wing ballroom at the White House.
Scale and Site Concerns
The scale of the proposed arch has raised concerns among some architectural experts. Catesby Leigh, an art critic who previously suggested a more modest 60-foot temporary arch for the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, stated:
"I don't think an arch that large belongs there."
Leigh's initial idea was reportedly brought to Trump by administration allies, but Trump chose a permanent design four times larger, to be funded by leftover donations from the White House ballroom project.
Leigh suggested alternative locations for such a large structure, such as Barney Circle in south-east Washington D.C., where it would not compete with surrounding landmarks. Architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, recommended by Leigh, has reportedly been retained by the White House for the project after expressing enthusiasm for a triumphal arch.
The proposed site is a plot of land under the jurisdiction of the US National Park Service, situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Concerns include its potential to alter the relationship between existing memorials and obstruct pedestrian views. John Haigh, chairperson of Benedictine College's architecture program, described the area as a:
"very somber corridor"
...suggesting the celebratory nature of an arch might be thematically inconsistent with the solemnity of Memorial Circle, Arlington National Cemetery, and Memorial Bridge.
Design Evolution and Oversight
Trump reportedly considered smaller arch designs, including 165-foot and 123-foot versions, but opted for the 250-foot height to align with the 250th anniversary of the US's declaration of independence in July, reportedly stating:
"250 for 250 makes the most sense."
He also expressed a desire for it to notably exceed the height of the Arc de Triomphe.
Trump previously indicated in December that he hoped to begin construction within two months and shared three potential designs, one featuring gold gilding, on his Truth Social platform in January. Rodney Mims Cook Jr., president of the National Monuments Foundation, has been appointed by Trump to the Commission of Fine Arts, which would theoretically oversee the arch.