To commemorate America250, President Donald Trump plans to build a 250-foot triumphal arch in DC overlooking the Potomac River. Plans for the new monument continue to move forward after the Commission of Fine Arts approved designs on Thursday.
Although the White House is looking to begin construction soon, the project still needs to get approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which oversees federal construction projects, The Associated Press reported. The review is set for June 4.
The arch will be between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. It will be more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial, which stands just under 100 feet tall. The White House has referred to the structure as both the “Independence Arch” and “United States Triumphal Arch.”
The height of the monument has received some pushback from historical preservationists, stating that the size would overshadow Arlington National Cemetery. During the review with the fine-arts commission, the project’s main architect told the panel that Trump rejected suggestions to remove the golden statues that sit at the top of the arch, which would lower the height by 80 feet, according to The Washington Post.
This week, Trump officials have stated that they do not need approval since Congress authorized a similar structure during the 1920s.
On April 10, Trump posted on X: “I am pleased to announce that TODAY my Administration officially filed the presentation and plans to the highly respected Commission of Fine Arts for what will be the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World. This will be a wonderful addition to the Washington D.C. area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come!”
Feature image courtesy the Commission of Fine Arts/Harrison Design
