In brief
The Trump administration has officially submitted plans for a monumental 'Triumphal Arch', inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, which would stand taller than significant landmarks in Washington, D.C. The proposed structure is designed to enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery, raising questions about funding and the project's alignment with Trump's vision for a beautified capital.
The White House has unveiled renderings for a 250ft (76m) arch that Donald Trump wants to have built in the US capital.
The new monument, nicknamed the 'Arc de Trump' in homage to its Parisian inspiration, will be 'the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World', the US president said on social media on Friday.
The administration said it has officially filed the plans with the Commission of Fine Arts, a panel made up of Trump allies, which will review the proposal next week.
The arch is just one of Trump's controversial projects to give Washington D.C. a makeover in his signature style, with his plans for a White House ballroom currently caught up in a legal battle.
If approved, the monument would be taller than the US Capitol building and the Lincoln Memorial.
'This will be a wonderful addition to the Washington DC area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come!' Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The renderings of the arch depict gold inscriptions that say 'One Nation Under God', topped with two gold eagles and a golden-winged Lady Liberty. The base would have statues of gold lions.
White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that the arch would enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by American heroes throughout history.
The White House has not disclosed how the arch will be funded; however, Trump suggested using leftover funds from his earlier ballroom project.
When the president announced the project last year, he expressed his desire for the arch to welcome visitors to the nation's capital from Arlington National Cemetery as they cross the Memorial Bridge into the city.
