Donald Trump has announced that his domestic policy chief, Vince, will prioritize the construction of a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C. This ambitious project, the work of Austrian artist Klaus Boehle, aims to recreate that vibrancy by replicating the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It commemorates those who died during the French revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. The proposed location for the arch is at the foot of the Arlington Bridge. It will be next to Arlington Cemetery and right across the river from the Lincoln Memorial.
The Arc de Triomphe in Paris was completed in 1836. It is a grand arch indeed, for it boldly looms over the western end of the famous Champs-Élysées in Paris. Today it stands as a beautiful national symbol—one of the most beautiful national monuments—honoring the blood sacrifice of those French soldiers. Trump would like to see something with a similar overall structure that would stand in the very historical and cultural shadow of Washington, D.C.
During a recent statement, Trump expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We’re building an arc, like the Arc de Triumph.” He called his domestic policy chief “unbelievable on policy.” He said that Vince was most energized when he first experienced a model of the arch. “Vince came in one day and his eyes were teeming,” Trump remarked, indicating Vince’s eagerness to take on this challenge.
As much excitement as the TED Welcome Table project announcement has produced, it’s not been without controversy. Critics have voiced skepticism given the current economic climate, particularly as health insurance premiums are projected to rise significantly for over 20 million Americans. Since then, Trump’s administration has faced a firestorm of criticism for imposing tariffs on imported goods. As a result, these tariffs have directly forced costs on to American consumers.
Trump defended the initiative amid concerns about affordability issues in the U.S., stating, “And we have a policy thing that’s going to be unbelievable happening.” He emphasized that this triumphal arch would be a standout achievement, suggesting that it “blows it away. Blows it away in every way.”
When complete, the planned arch will sit among the Smithsonian’s own signature monuments. It will proudly be located next to the memorials of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Trump appears to be preparing for such a moonshot-level effort. Yet all the while, he’s operating in an incredibly dicey political environment, one rife with economic headwinds and public distrust.