The White House responds to reports that Trump wants a 250-foot ‘Independence Arch’

President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with plans for a giant triumphal arch in Washington, DC, a project the White House says will become one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks as critics warn the structure could dominate nearby monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial.

The White House defended the proposal in a statement sent to Fox News Digital, describing the monument as a central part of Trump’s legacy and vision ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“The Arch will be one of the most prominent landmarks not only in Washington, DC, but around the world,” said White House spokesman Davis Ingle. “The vision of President Trump’s courage will be stamped on the American landscape and heard for generations to come. His success will continue to give the greatest nation on earth – America – the glory it deserves.”

The renewed attention follows a report by The Washington Post, which states that Trump has expressed his desire for an Independence Arch that could rise to 250 meters, a measure that would significantly change the skyline near the Arlington Memorial Bridge.

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In comparison, the White House stands at about 70 feet, while the Lincoln Memorial rises about 100 feet. A 250-foot building would tower over both.

Trump fueled new speculation earlier this month when he shared a series of renderings of the ancient triumphal arch on his Public Truth account on Jan. 23. The images showed a variety of designs inspired by classical European style arches such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, featuring large columns, wide central openings and ornate details.

The president has also unveiled scale models of the proposed monument at White House events in recent months, showing his involvement in shaping the design and placement of the project.

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President Donald Trump holds a model of the arch as he delivers remarks during an East Room ceremony at the White House, Oct. 15, Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Trump has spoken publicly about the idea since late last year, when he said construction on the Arc de Triomphe monument to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary could begin within two months.

Trump said construction had not yet begun but suggested the project would move quickly.

“It hasn’t started yet. It starts sometime in the next two months. It’s going to be great. Everybody loves it,” Trump told Politico during a phone call from Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

“They love the ballroom too. But they love the Triumphal Arch,” he added.

A model of President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary is seen at the Resolute Desk on October 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The monument will be privately funded, using leftover donations from the White House ballroom project, Fox News Digital previously reported.

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Important details about the project have not been finalized. The White House has not released details of the monument’s cost, approval process, exact location or final height, and construction has not yet begun.

Some architects and historians cited by The Washington Post have raised questions about placing a monument of that scale near Memorial Circle, saying it could affect historical references, as well as the character of the area.

Fox News Digital’s Alex Koch and Amanda Macias contributed to this report.