Trump says plans filed for huge triumphal arch in Washington

The US arch would be over 50% taller than the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, according to the official plans. The US president has described the project as "the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch" in the world.

After teasing the idea in recent months, US President Donald Trump has now confirmed that the plans for the 76-meter (250‑foot) triumphal arch in Washington D.C. have been filed with the US Commission of Fine Arts.

Trump hailed it as "the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch, anywhere in the World."

If completed, the project would dwarf the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, which is just under 50 meters. It would also overtake the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico, currently the world's tallest triumphal arch at 67 meters tall, and the runner-up Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang, standing at 60 meters.

"This will be a wonderful addition to the Washington D.C. area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come," Trump wrote in a social media post on Friday.

Costs still unclear

According to the plans, the arch is set to feature a gilded figure reminiscent of Lady Liberty, flanked by two eagles and guarded by four lions, also gilded, and bear the inscriptions of "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" in gold letters.

It is unclear how much the project will cost, although an Axios report in October cited an estimate by White House insiders that put the cost at $100 million (€85 million). It is also possible that private money would be used to finance the monument, as is the case with the controversial White House ballroom construction.

Arch plans to be challenged in court

Trump previously said that the arch would be constructed to mark 250 years since the signing of the US Declaration of Independence on July 4. When asked by a reporter who the monument was for, he pointed to himself, saying "me" and adding it would be "fantastic."

The former real estate developer also argued that Washington D.C. was the only major capital city without its own triumphal arch.

The plans are to be reviewed by the US Commission of Fine Arts. In October, Trump fired all members of the agency's board and replaced them with his own political allies.

Separately, the arch faces a legal challenge from three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian, who argue the arch would need to be approved by Congress.

Edited by: Karl Sexton