The White House has revealed plans to build a “Triumphal Arch” to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. On the 15th, White House Press Secretary Levitt announced plans to construct a 250-meter-tall Triumphal Arch in the capital, Washington D.C., to mark the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. It will be larger than the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. According to concept art, the arch will bear the inscription “One Nation Under God,” and atop it will be a golden Statue of Liberty with wings spread. President Trump stated it will be “the most beautiful and magnificent triumphal arch in the world.” According to reports, this arch is planned to be built near the Arlington National Cemetery, a burial ground for war dead and others who served the United States. A Democratic member of the House of Representatives criticized the plan, saying, “It will tower over hallowed ground where people who served our nation, including my own parents and sister, are laid to rest.”

The White House

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It was designed by James Hoban and its construction was completed in 1800, with President John Adams being the first to occupy it. The building has since been expanded and renovated, surviving a fire set by British troops in 1814, and stands as a major symbol of the U.S. government and its history.

Triumphal Arch

The Triumphal Arch is a monumental gateway, most famously represented by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French army. Inspired by ancient Roman arches, such structures have historically been built by civilizations to commemorate military victories and honor leaders. Today, they stand as iconic national symbols and popular landmarks.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, was founded in 1790 as a planned city to serve as the seat of the federal government, distinct from any state. Its design was largely shaped by French-American architect Pierre Charles L’Enfant, and it is home to iconic landmarks like the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the National Mall. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with American democracy, witnessing pivotal events from its reconstruction after the War of 1812 to the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century.

Arc de Triomphe

The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental triumphal arch in Paris, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 to honor the French army. Completed in 1836, it stands at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and now serves as a national symbol, housing the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I beneath its vault.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States in 1886. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with its internal framework engineered by Gustave Eiffel, it was conceived as a symbol of freedom and democracy, commemorating the American Revolution and the abolition of slavery. It has since become an iconic global emblem of hope and opportunity for millions of immigrants arriving in America.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is a United States military cemetery in Virginia, established during the American Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, the former estate of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. It serves as the final resting place for over 400,000 active duty service members, veterans, and their families, and is the site of iconic memorials like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The cemetery is a profound national symbol of sacrifice and honor, where daily ceremonies pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes.

House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the United States Congress, established by the Constitution in 1789. It is composed of representatives elected from congressional districts based on state population, with its primary powers including initiating revenue bills and impeaching federal officials.