Trump plans an Arch of Triumph in Washington and controversy erupts

Once again, Donald Trump has placed the image of the US capital at the centre of public debate, this time with an ambitious and controversial proposal: the construction of a European-style triumphal arch in the heart of Washington, D.C., to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence in 2026. Dubbed the “Trump Arc” in some circles, the project is reportedly moving forward, with plans to begin construction within the next two months, according to statements the president made to Politico.

The monument is planned for the area near the Lincoln Memorial, in what is known as Memorial Circle—a symbolic point on the Potomac River that supporters say would serve as a “monumental portal” to American history.

The proposal has sparked heated debate across the country. Supporters, including Trump’s allies, describe it as a patriotic gesture celebrating the nation’s legacy at a historic moment. Critics, however, argue that it is a project lacking substance, reflecting an obsession with grandeur and the personalisation of public space.

Urban planning and heritage experts warn that constructing a large-scale monument in the capital involves not only architectural challenges but also legal and cultural ones. Projects of this scale require an exhaustive process of federal approvals and public consultation—details of which have not yet been disclosed.

The choice of this commemoration comes alongside other initiatives promoted by the administration for the semi-quincentennial, such as lighting the Washington Monument on New Year’s Eve and organising a series of patriotic events throughout the year. While intended to foster unity, these efforts have also sparked debate over priorities amid deep political divisions.

On social media and among political figures, the arch’s proposed name has become a target of irony and criticism. Some opponents see it as a symbol of presidential vanity rather than a historical tribute, while others argue that such a monument could boost tourism and reinforce a narrative of national pride at a pivotal moment.

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Whatever stance one takes, Trump’s proposal has already achieved its primary goal: generating an intense conversation about how the United States wants to remember its past and which figures or symbols merit a place in the urban fabric of its capital.

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