This arch is part of a long list of architectural projects undertaken by the US president in the American capital at the beginning of his second term.
Once known as the “Trump Arch,” the monumental arch project desired by the American president in Washington has officially been revealed as the “Arc de Triomphe of the United States” by the White House on Wednesday, April 15th.
The spokesperson for the American executive, Karoline Leavitt, announced it at a press conference, emphasizing that the structure would be built to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States, celebrated on July 4th.
“In honor of this historic occasion,” Donald Trump and his administration will submit the plans for the “Arc de Triomphe of the United States,” she stated.
Initially shown in an image turned upside down, Karoline Leavitt specified that the monumental arch will rise to 250 feet – over 76 meters – “in homage to the 250 years” of the country’s independence.
Higher than the one in Paris, the arch will have a colossal statue of liberty allegory at its peak, making it much larger than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris at 50 meters in height. It is set to become the tallest structure of its kind globally, surpassing the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico and relegating the Arc de Triomphe in Pyongyang, North Korea, to third place.
The plans for the Washington arch were first revealed in October when AFP journalists saw a model of the structure on Donald Trump’s desk in the Oval Office. The comprehensive images of the monument were revealed on Friday.
The arch is part of a series of architectural projects undertaken by Donald Trump in the American capital at the start of his second term, including the construction of a gigantic ballroom at the White House in place of the east wing.
With its golden accents, the structure will cast a shadow over its future neighbor, the Lincoln Memorial, which stands just over 30 meters high. Critics view the arch as a monument to the vanity of the current 79-year-old president.
While the total cost has not been disclosed by the White House, the project will be funded in part by American taxpayers. However, according to Karoline Leavitt, the “Arc de Triomphe of the United States” will serve to exalt national pride.
“Long after everyone in this room is gone, our children and grandchildren will still be inspired by this national monument,” she told the press.
