Construction of “Arc de Trump” set to begin in next two weeks

The construction of a 250-foot-high triumphal arch in Washington DC designed by Atlanta-based Harrison Design, is set to begin “over the next two-week period”.

Plans to begin construction of the giant arch, alongside the Arlington Memorial Bridge on the south bank of the Potomac River, were announced last week by US interior secretary Doug Burgum.

“We are pleased to announce that after a very long wait (over 125 years!), we are preparing to start, over the next two-week period, the excavation work necessary for the great triumphal arch and military observation deck, at Memorial Circle on Columbia Island between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“This will be one of the Great Pieces of American architecture, honoring the history and significance of Arlington Cemetery and befitting the most powerful capital in the World.”

Officially called the Triumphal Arch of Washington DC, the structure is one of numerous additions being made to the city by US president Donald Trump.

Nicknamed the “Arc de Trump” – a play on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris – the arch will be nearly 100 feet (30 metres) taller than its Parisian counterpart.

The arch, which was approved by the US Commission of Fine Arts in May, was designed by Atlanta-based studio Harrison Design. It will be neoclassical in style and topped by three gilded angels.

Within the structure will be three floors of accessible space to allow the structure to be a visitor attraction.

On the ground floor will be a space for ticketing and security, with spiral staircases and lifts giving access to the upper floors.

Four galleries for exhibitions, along with restrooms, will be located within the main attic space, with the open-air observation deck above.

The arch is one of several major construction projects led by Trump that are currently underway in the US capital city.

The most significant of which, the addition of a ballroom to the White House, is moving forward after the US Supreme Court ruled that construction can continue.

The imagery is by Harrison Design via CFA.

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