Trump ready to formally submit plans for 250-foot Triumphal Arch
by Jeff Mordock · The Washington TimesPresident Trump on Thursday will formally submit the plans for his 250-foot Triumphal Arch in Washington, the White House announced.
The plans will go to the U.S. Commission for Fine Arts for approval.
“This year we celebrate America’s 250th birthday. In honor of this historic occasion, President Trump and the Department of the Interior will submit plans for the United States Triumphal Arch, which will be an architectural masterpiece to celebrate our history right here in Washington, D.C,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday.
“The United States Triumphal Arch will be outfitted with beautiful artwork and depictions celebrating the success of the American people over our 250-year history and the enduring triumph of the American spirit,” Ms. Leavitt said. “Long after everyone in this room is gone, our children and grandchildren will remain inspired by this national monument.”
Mr. Trump last week showed off renderings of the proposed arch, showing the 250-foot structure standing near the Lincoln Memorial.
The drawings show a large white structure, topped with a gilded Lady Liberty statute and the words, “One Nation Under God.” At the arch’s base would sit four golden lions.
The arch would be more than double the height of the Lincoln Memorial and would be built on Columbia Island, a man-made Island in the Potomac River managed by the National Park Service.
Mr. Trump has promoted the idea of building an arch in Washington since last year. Last week, he said the monument would be the “greatest and most beautiful Triumphal Arch anywhere in the world.”
Advertisement Advertisement
The arch is one of several projects Mr. Trump has planned to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence this summer.
Democrats have blasted the project, calling it a waste of taxpayer dollars.
“While Americans worry about skyrocketing costs and another endless war, President Trump is focused on a taxpayer-funded vanity project that would choke traffic, block our skyline, and tower over sacred ground where those who served our nation are buried, including my own parents and sister,” Rep Don Beyer wrote on BlueSkye.
“This isn’t about America’s 250th or honoring our veterans,” Mr. Beyer said. “It’s about Donald Trump’s ego — and we’re going to stop it.”
Although the Commission of Fine Arts must approve the project, Mr. Trump has stacked the once independent organization with his allies. In February, the agency approved the president’s $400 million, 90,000-square-foot construction of a White House ballroom.
Advertisement Advertisement
A federal judge blocked the ballroom renovation last month, ruling that Mr. Trump lacks the legal authority to construct such a structure without congressional authorization.
• Jeff Mordock can be reached at jmordock@washingtontimes.com.