Trump's Plan to Build Giant Gold-Plated Victory Arch
The United States government, through the White House, has revealed plans to build a massive gold-plated victory arch nicknamed the “Arc de Trump”.
This project was directly proposed by Donald Trump for construction in the nation’s capital, Washington DC.
The monument is designed to be 250 feet or approximately 76 metres tall. If realised, its size would exceed several iconic buildings in the area, including the United States Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
Its design features striking elements such as a torch and a golden crown inspired by the Statue of Liberty.
Citing the BBC, Trump described the project as the “largest and most beautiful victory arch in the world”.
However, the plan to build this arch has also sparked controversy. The project is seen as part of Trump’s efforts to reshape the capital’s landscape, in line with other initiatives that have previously ignited public debate.
The government is said to have submitted an official proposal to the United States Commission of Fine Arts, an advisory panel that will review the plan in the near future.
In terms of funding, the project will partially utilise public funds. Based on the expenditure plan released by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the agency will allocate special funds of $2 million and matching funds of $13 million.
Trump previously stated that some funds from the fully funded White House dance hall project would be redirected to help finance the arch’s construction.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle described the monument as a symbol of tribute to the sacrifices of American heroes over the nation’s 250 years of history.
Trump revealed that the arch’s design is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in France. He wants the monument to greet visitors entering Washington DC from the direction of Arlington National Cemetery, specifically as they cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge towards the city centre.
“Every time someone crosses that bridge towards the Lincoln Memorial, it feels like something should be standing there,” Trump said when he first announced the idea last year.
The plan to build this arch is part of a series of ambitious government projects in Washington DC.
In addition to the dance hall construction and White House interior design changes, the government also plans a major renovation of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
The performing arts centre will even be closed for two years starting in July to undergo large-scale renovation work.