The White House has unveiled a proposal for a 76-meter arch that former President Donald Trump aims to construct in the U.S. capital. This initiative has been submitted to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a body that includes several of Trump’s allies, which is expected to review the plans next week.
Trump has described the proposed structure, dubbed the “Trump Arch,” as potentially the “largest and most beautiful triumphal arch in the world.” He emphasized that it would serve as a significant addition to the Washington area, meant to be enjoyed by Americans for decades to come.
According to reports, if the project receives approval, the arch would surpass the height of both the U.S. Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial. The arch’s design features a golden inscription reading “One Nation Under God,” flanked by two golden eagles and a golden-winged Statue of Liberty. Statues of golden lions are also planned for the base.
This proposal comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Trump’s other projects, including plans for a ballroom at the White House, which are currently entangled in legal disputes. The ballroom project has faced significant scrutiny, with a court recently halting construction on the eastern wing of the White House, a site Trump had targeted for redevelopment.
The estimated cost of the ballroom has escalated from an initial $200 million to Trump’s latest estimate of $400 million. Initially, Trump claimed that the project would not interfere with the existing structure, yet significant demolition of the eastern wing has since occurred.
In late 2025, the National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit against the White House, seeking to halt the ballroom construction. This legal challenge underscores the contentious nature of Trump’s architectural ambitions in the capital.
Former President Donald Trump has proposed a 76-meter arch in Washington, D.C., pending review by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. This initiative is part of a broader context of controversial projects, including a halted ballroom construction at the White House, which has faced legal challenges.