The Arch is coming: The plan for a new monument in D.C.
By Easton Martin | April 16, 2026
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt officially announced on Wednesday that the administration is formally submitting plans for the “United States Triumphal Arch,” a massive new monument intended to anchor the nation’s capital in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The proposed monument, described by Leavitt as an “architectural masterpiece,” is slated to stand 250 feet tall, more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial. The structure is designed in a classical neoclassical style, featuring intricate stonework, American eagles, and a gilded statue of Victory.
”This arch will be a celebration of our history and a testament to the enduring spirit of the American people,” Leavitt told reporters during a morning briefing.
The project is being led by the Department of the Interior in collaboration with architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau of Harrison Design. Renderings of the arch show a grand structure reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but scaled to a significantly larger height to match the monumental landscape of Washington.
The White House indicated that the arch is intended for a location within a traffic circle situated between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. While the project’s scale has already sparked discussions regarding its impact on the historic D.C. skyline, administration officials emphasized that the monument is designed to complement the existing neoclassical architecture of the capital.
Funding for the monument is expected to come from private donations. According to Leavitt, President Trump and a coalition of donors have already committed to raising the capital necessary for construction.
