White House responds to reports Trump wants 250-foot ‘Independence Arch’

President Donald Trump is pushing plans for a massive triumphal arch in Washington, DC; The White House is a project that critics say will become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, as critics warn that the structure could visually dominate nearby monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial.

The White House defended the proposal in a statement to Fox News Digital, explaining that the monument was a central part of Trump’s legacy and vision ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“The Arch will be one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington, D.C., but in the entire world,” said White House spokesman Davis Ingle. “President Trump’s bold vision will be etched into the fabric of America and felt by generations to come. His accomplishments will continue to give the greatest nation on earth, America, the glory it deserves.”

Renewed interest is as follows The Washington Post reportedHe noted that Trump had expressed a preference for an Independence Arch that could be up to 250 feet high; this scale will dramatically change the skyline near the Arlington Memorial Bridge.

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For comparison, the White House rises to about 70 feet, while the Lincoln Memorial rises to about 30 feet. A 250-meter structure will rise above both.

Trump sparked new speculation earlier this month when he shared a series of drawings of a classical triumphal arch on his Truth Social account on January 23. The images showed numerous design variations inspired by classic European-style arches such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, featuring massive columns, large central openings and ornate details.

The president has also displayed scale models of the proposed monument at White House events in recent months, showcasing his personal involvement in shaping the design and layout of the project.

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President Donald Trump holds a mock-up of a belt while speaking during an East Room event at the White House on October 15 in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Trump has been publicly discussing the idea since late last year, when he said construction of an Arc de Triomphe-style monument commemorating America’s 250th anniversary could begin within two months.

Trump said that construction has not started yet, but the project will progress quickly.

“It hasn’t started yet. It will start in the next two months. It’s going to be great. Everybody loves it,” Trump said. Policy during a telephone interview from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

“They also love the ballroom. But they also love the Arc de Triomphe,” he added.

A model of President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary is seen at the Resolute Desk in Washington, D.C., on October 15, 2025. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The memorial will be privately funded using leftover donations from the White House ballroom project, Fox News Digital previously reported.

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Important details about the project have not been finalized yet. The White House has not released detailed information about the monument’s cost, approval process, exact location or final height, and construction has not yet begun.

Some architects and historians cited by The Washington Post raised questions about placing a monument of this size near Memorial Circle, saying it could affect historic views and the character of the area.

Fox News Digital’s Alex Koch and Amanda Macias contributed to this report.