The Memorial Circle in Washington: This is where Donald Trump wants to build his next opulent monument.Image: keystone
President Donald Trump has fleshed out his plans for a triumphal arch in the US capital Washington and has promised a huge structure.
02/01/2026, 06:2902/01/2026, 06:29
This should be like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Republican told journalists on a flight to Florida. There are triumphal arches in many places, and he wants the largest one to be built in Washington. “We are the largest and most powerful nation,” he said. A committee should deal with the project.
The triumphal arch is one of the architectural projects that Trump wants to use to shape the face of Washington. An opulent ballroom is currently being built on the White House grounds. Trump had an area demolished, which led to criticism.
Trump’s French model: The Arc de Triomphe in Paris.Image: keystone
Report: 76 meters high
According to a report in the Washington Post, there is a plan for the triumphal arch to be 76 meters high. The Paris Arc de Triomphe, which was completed in 1836, measures around 50 meters. According to the newspaper report, architectural experts are said to have criticized the height of the planned arch in Washington because it does not fit into the image of the surrounding buildings. At the same time, the newspaper states that some historians advocated a triumphal arch in the US capital. Trump did not give journalists a timetable.
He spoke about the triumphal arch plans for the first time in October. US media dubbed the arc the “Arc de Trump”.
About a week ago, Trump posted three different designs for the arch on his Truth Social platform – including one with plenty of gold decoration. This is a Trump trademark. He had already had the Oval Office in the White House redecorated with gold.
Critics accuse Trump of seeking recognition
Trump obviously loves the gold look, which is also reflected in the large ballroom on the White House grounds. Critics of this project accuse Trump of pomp and desire for recognition. The magazine “New York Magazine” commented months ago: “Trump is turning the White House into Mar-a-Lago.” Trump’s private estate Mar-a-Lago is known for its lavish design with gold elements. (sda/dpa)