President Donald Trump’s administration has unveiled the design for a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch, planned for construction near Washington, D.C., to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary this summer.
The neoclassical structure features a winged Statue of Liberty at its peak, inscribed with the words “One Nation Under God” in gold, following the government's approval of minting 24K gold coins featuring Mr. Trump for the grand celebration. Golden lions facing east will flank the entrance, topped with gilded eagles.
Inspired by France’s Arc de Triomphe but significantly larger in scale, the proposed location is Memorial Circle in Arlington, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, an area frequently used for government projects in Washington.
Designed by the architecture firm Harrison Design, the plans have been submitted to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the federal Commission of Fine Arts for review.
Some veterans have filed lawsuits to block the project, arguing that the structure could obstruct views toward the national military cemetery, the final resting place of many American service members.
This plan is part of the America250 celebration series, alongside ideas to print President Trump's signature on paper currency and host large-scale martial arts events on the White House grounds.
Previously, a $400 million ballroom project near the White House was halted by a federal court, reminiscent of a local government's cancellation of the costly Pompidou museum project. However, various other upgrades within the complex continue, including landscaping changes and the addition of gold-plated decorative details.
