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US President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new, permanent triumphal arch in Washington DC, envisioning what he has described as the “biggest one of all” to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The proposal, dubbed the Independence Arch, has drawn global attention after Trump recently shared an image of New Delhi’s India Gate as a reference point.
'Biggest one of all'
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on February 1, Trump said the idea of a triumphal arch in Washington had existed for generations.
"For 200 years, they wanted to build an arch," he said, adding that while nearly 57 cities worldwide have such monuments, Washington DC does not, as per Bloomberg.
"I’d like it to be the biggest one of all," Trump remarked, stressing that the monument should reflect America’s stature.
However, Trump has also sought to draw limits around the design. "I could have built a much bigger one, but I did not want to do that; I did not want it to be taller than the White House," he said, confirming that a committee would be formed to examine the project, as per News18.
India Gate reference fuels speculation
On Monday, February 2, Trump posted a photograph of India Gate on his Truth Social account, calling it a "beautiful triumphal arch" and wrote, "India’s beautiful triumphal arch, our will be greatest of all."
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The post came as he continues to promote the Washington project ahead of the July 4, 2026 milestone.
Trump has shown particular interest in a 250-foot-tall structure overlooking the Potomac River, near Memorial Circle. He has reportedly argued that a height of "250 for 250" would be a fitting tribute to the anniversary, as per a report by The Washington Post.
For context, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris stands at 164 feet, while the world’s largest memorial arch in Mexico City measures about 220 feet.
White House backs 'bold vision'
The White House has defended the proposal, describing it as central to Trump’s legacy.
"The Arch is going to be one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington DC, but throughout the world," White House spokesman Davis Ingle said. "President Trump’s bold vision will be imprinted upon the fabric of America and be felt by generations to come," he added, as per Fox News.
Trump has shared multiple renderings and scale models of the arch, inspired by classical European designs, and has suggested construction could begin within two months.
Questions over scale and approvals
Despite the push, key details remain unresolved. The proposed site falls under the National Park Service, requiring multiple approvals. Architects and historians cited by The Washington Post have raised concerns about the impact of a 250-foot structure on historic sightlines near the Lincoln Memorial.
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While the White House has said the monument would be privately funded, officials have yet to release final designs, costs or timelines, leaving the future of the Independence Arch uncertain.
The proposal, dubbed the Independence Arch, has drawn global attention after Trump recently shared an image of New Delhi’s India Gate as a reference point.
'Biggest one of all'
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on February 1, Trump said the idea of a triumphal arch in Washington had existed for generations.
"For 200 years, they wanted to build an arch," he said, adding that while nearly 57 cities worldwide have such monuments, Washington DC does not, as per Bloomberg.
"I’d like it to be the biggest one of all," Trump remarked, stressing that the monument should reflect America’s stature.
However, Trump has also sought to draw limits around the design. "I could have built a much bigger one, but I did not want to do that; I did not want it to be taller than the White House," he said, confirming that a committee would be formed to examine the project, as per News18.
India Gate reference fuels speculation
On Monday, February 2, Trump posted a photograph of India Gate on his Truth Social account, calling it a "beautiful triumphal arch" and wrote, "India’s beautiful triumphal arch, our will be greatest of all."
Read more: India-US FTA will see more exports of American farm products, claims US Agri Secy Brooke Rollins
The post came as he continues to promote the Washington project ahead of the July 4, 2026 milestone.
Trump has shown particular interest in a 250-foot-tall structure overlooking the Potomac River, near Memorial Circle. He has reportedly argued that a height of "250 for 250" would be a fitting tribute to the anniversary, as per a report by The Washington Post.
For context, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris stands at 164 feet, while the world’s largest memorial arch in Mexico City measures about 220 feet.
White House backs 'bold vision'
The White House has defended the proposal, describing it as central to Trump’s legacy.
"The Arch is going to be one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington DC, but throughout the world," White House spokesman Davis Ingle said. "President Trump’s bold vision will be imprinted upon the fabric of America and be felt by generations to come," he added, as per Fox News.
Trump has shared multiple renderings and scale models of the arch, inspired by classical European designs, and has suggested construction could begin within two months.
Questions over scale and approvals
Despite the push, key details remain unresolved. The proposed site falls under the National Park Service, requiring multiple approvals. Architects and historians cited by The Washington Post have raised concerns about the impact of a 250-foot structure on historic sightlines near the Lincoln Memorial.
Read more: FACT FOCUS: Images of NYC mayor Mamdani with Jeffrey Epstein are AI-generated. Here's how it is known
While the White House has said the monument would be privately funded, officials have yet to release final designs, costs or timelines, leaving the future of the Independence Arch uncertain.
