The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved designs for President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.The monument would be built on Columbia Island at Memorial Circle on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.The arch would rise 250 feet from its base to a torch-bearing figure resembling Lady Liberty at its top. Two gold-colored eagles would flank the statue. The phrases “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” would be inscribed in gold lettering on either side of the monument. Plans also include a public observation deck offering views of the surrounding area and other monuments.
The updated design also eliminates four gold lions that had previously adorned the lower sides of the structure, as well as an 8-foot base featured in earlier renderings.
Artist renderings and diagrams for President Donald Trump’s new triumphal arch released by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts that is planned to be built in Washington between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, are photographed Friday, April 10, 2026. (Jon Elswick/AP Photo)
The Commission of Fine Arts, whose members were fully appointed by Trump, approved the proposal despite criticism from Democratic lawmakers and preservation advocates.
