This is Donald Trump’s new project. In a press conference during an end-of-year reception on December 14, Trump spoke of the project he was entrusting to one of his close friends: the construction of a triumphal arch in Washington, near the Lincoln Memorial.
After the east wing of the White House, Donald Trump will tackle the construction of a new monument. This is his last major project, revealed during an end-of-year reception at the presidential residence. Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is set to benefit from the arrival of this grand triumphal arch.
@POTUS recognizes longtime staffer and Domestic Policy Council Director @vincehaley:
“I put Vince in charge of the triumphal arch. We’re building an arc like the Arc de Triomphe, and we’re building it by the Arlington bridge… opposite the Lincoln Memorial.” pic.twitter.com/zZvDgBHW0a
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 14, 2025
Trump praised Vince Haley, the director of the Domestic Policy Council, highlighting his capabilities in public policy issues. “Vince is incredible on public policy issues. And we have a policy thing that’s going to be absolutely incredible,” he stated, showcasing his confidence in the new monument project.
“The only thing they have is history”
The triumphal arch will be built near the Arlington Bridge and in front of the Lincoln Memorial, right in the heart of the American capital. Trump emphasized that “Washington is the only city of this size in the world that does not have an Arc de Triomphe. The one people are most familiar with is Paris, France.” This statement not only highlights the uniqueness of Washington but also positions the project as a patriotic addition that might redefine the city’s landscape.
He expressed ambitious thoughts about surpassing the Parisian landmark, asserting, “We are going to surpass it, and by a lot I believe.” The historical context provided by Trump is noteworthy; the original Arc de Triomphe was commissioned by Napoleon after the Battle of Austerlitz and completed in 1836, symbolizing military victories and national pride.
In a characteristic fashion, Trump did not shy away from making jabs at France and Europe in general, stating, “The only thing they have is history, 1860, something like that… I always say that’s the one thing you can’t compete against. But we’ll have history too, at some point.” This remark underscores his aim to not only create a monument but also to instill a sense of new American legacy.
As the project rolls out, it invites varied reactions and discussions about nationalism, historical representations, and America’s place in global culture. With construction aimed to capture the grandeur of its French counterpart while echoing American values, the triumphal arch stands to become a significant addition to the D.C. landscape, enriching both its aesthetics and historical narrative.