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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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The Department of the Interior has presented updated plans for President Donald Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C., taking a concrete step toward advancing a monument the administration says will commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary and celebrate national unity.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a post on X on Thursday, which included a rendering of the arch, that the department had formally delivered designs to the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), all of whose members have been appointed by Trump. The move sends the project into a critical approval phase, where it will face scrutiny from oversight commissions, lawmakers, and the courts.
"Presented plans for the Triumphal Arch to the Commission of Fine Arts this morning as we prepare for America’s 250th birthday," Burgum said. "Honored to support @POTUS’ bold vision for our nation’s capital, reflecting the strength, history and enduring legacy of the American people."
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One commissioner suggested changes, such as not including the Lady Liberty-like statue and the eagles on top of the arch, the Associated Press reported. A final vote will take place at a future meeting.
Newsweek reached out to the CFA via email for comment.
What Is the Triumphal Arch?
The proposed structure, often referred to by critics as the “Arc de Trump,” would be a 250‑foot‑tall monument located at Memorial Circle on Columbia Island, a National Park Service–managed traffic circle at the Virginia end of Arlington Memorial Bridge. The site sits across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial and near the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.
According to plans previously released by the Interior Department, the arch would be modeled after classical European triumphal arches, particularly France’s Arc de Triomphe. Renderings show an ivory-colored arch adorned with gold elements, including large eagles and four lions at the base. A winged, Lady Liberty–style figure would crown the structure. Gold-lettered inscriptions reading “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” would appear on opposing sides.
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The project has drawn its fair share of criticism from preservationists, local residents, architects and Democratic lawmakers, who argue the project is politically motivated, visually intrusive and potentially unlawful.
The Trump administration says the 250‑foot height is intentional, symbolizing the nation’s 250 years since independence in 1776. Supporters argue the arch would become an internationally recognizable landmark and a focal point of the America250 celebrations planned for 2026.
Trump has previously said he hopes to start construction this year, but timelines remain uncertain. The project requires review by the CFA and the National Capital Planning Commission, and may also require congressional approval under the Commemorative Works Act, which governs new monuments in Washington’s monumental core.
Update 4/16/26, 3:04 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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