Is Trump's 'Triumphal Arch' the Next Big DC Landmark?

Could a towering monument rivaling Paris’s iconic Arc de Triomphe soon dominate the Washington, D.C., skyline under President Donald Trump’s ambitious vision?

At 79, President Trump, who returned to the White House in January 2025, appears to be sketching out plans for a grand triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, as revealed by images and models spotted in the Oval Office during a recent meeting with Finnish leader Alex Stubb on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as The US Sun reports.

Trump’s return to power has been marked by a flurry of design and renovation projects, from gilding the Oval Office with opulent decor to overhauling the Rose Garden with picnic tables and vibrant umbrellas reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

From Mar-a-Lago to White House Makeovers

In recent months, the president has transformed parts of the White House, even paving over the historic Rose Garden for a more casual, resort-like vibe that’s raised eyebrows among traditionalists.

He’s also signed an executive order at the end of August 2025 to champion “classical” architecture inspired by ancient Rome and Greece, signaling a clear intent to leave a lasting mark on America’s aesthetic landscape.

During meetings, Trump has been known to detour into lengthy praise for his redesigns, such as waxing poetic about the Cabinet room’s new drapes, showing his personal investment in every detail.

Oval Office Models Spark Monument Speculation

The latest buzz stems from photos circulating online, showing miniature models and maps on the Resolute Desk depicting a massive arch positioned on a traffic circle just across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, near Arlington National Cemetery.

One detailed model even features a winged golden angel holding a torch atop the structure, flanked by two white eagles, echoing the grandeur of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, originally built to honor Napoleon’s military triumphs.

A similar design was shared on social media by Nicholas Leo Charbonneau, an architect linked to Harrison Design, though it remains uncertain if the firm is officially tied to any plans for this project.

Architects and Supporters Rally Behind Vision

Charbonneau didn’t hold back his enthusiasm, posting, “America needs a triumphal arch!” as he showcased a drawing of the proposed monument in the same location outside Arlington National Cemetery (Nicholas Leo Charbonneau).

His vision aligns with a post from the “Donald Trump for President” Facebook page, which boasts over six million followers and shared a nearly identical sketch of the arch back in September 2025, fueling speculation of a coordinated push.

Such endorsements suggest a growing chorus of support, though the White House has stayed mum despite requests for clarification on whether this arch is more than just a desktop daydream.

A Monument for America’s 250th Birthday?

If realized, this arch could stand as a bold symbol of Trump’s aspirations for America’s 250th birthday, a permanent tribute to national strength and military valor etched into the capital’s horizon.

Yet, while Trump’s knack for real estate and flair for the dramatic—evident in plans for a massive ballroom next to the White House, as seen in a photo shared by deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino on October 8, 2025—drives excitement, it also invites scrutiny over whether such projects prioritize legacy over practicality.

Still, in an era where cultural battles often pit tradition against a progressive agenda, a monument like this might just resonate with those yearning for a return to unapologetic American grandeur, even if it means ruffling a few feathers along the Potomac.