The proposal to build a large triumphal arch in Washington DC has moved ahead after receiving approval from the US Commission of Fine Arts.
The design has already gone through changes, including a reduced height and removal of some decorative elements. Officials reviewed the updated version and allowed it to proceed to the next stage of the approval process.
What the monument is meant to be
Trump wants the structure to work as a grand entrance into the capital city. He has said the area near Memorial Bridge feels incomplete and should include a major landmark.
He has also said that many major world cities have similar monuments, while Washington DC does not.
Design changes and features
The updated design includes several changes compared to earlier plans.
- A golden winged Lady Liberty statue will sit on top
- Two golden eagles will stand near the top section
- The phrases One Nation Under God and Liberty and Justice for All will appear in gold lettering
At this size, it would be much taller than the Lincoln Memorial and about half the height of the Washington Monument.
Cost and funding discussion
Reports suggest that public funds could contribute to the project. A spending plan linked to the National Endowment for the Humanities indicates possible taxpayer involvement.
Other related White House projects
The arch is one part of a wider set of changes linked to Trump’s second term plans for Washington DC. These include updates to the Oval Office, plans for a large White House ballroom, changes to the Rose Garden, and renovation ideas for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
