Donald Trump has set his sights on another ambitious endeavor, this time aiming to transform the landscape of the nation’s capital with a bold architectural addition.

In a nod to the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Trump has proposed the construction of a monumental arch to mark America’s 250th anniversary. This project, already dubbed the “Arc de Trump,” reflects his penchant for grand displays and has quickly captured public attention.

On Wednesday, during an event in the East Room of the White House, Trump presented this vision to a room full of influential donors who had previously funded a 90,000 square-foot ballroom at the White House. He showcased a model of the proposed structure, illustrating its planned location across from the Lincoln Memorial, right at the entrance to the Arlington Memorial Bridge.

While describing the project, Trump highlighted the historical significance of the bridge’s site. “That’s Arlington Memorial Bridge,” he noted, pointing out the circle that has stood for 150 years, flanked by pairs of columns yet remaining an empty space in the center.

‘That’s Arlington Memorial Bridge,’ Trump said. ‘And at the end of it, you have a circle that was built 150 years ago. You have two columns on one side, two columns on the other, yet in the middle, just a circle.

‘And everyone in the past had said something was supposed to be built there. But a thing called the Civil War interfered. That’s a good reason.’

Prior to Trump’s announcement, a reporter noticed the arch design on the resolute desk as they were being pushed out of the Oval. The reporter asks the president the purpose of the 3D model and he responded, ‘It’s an arch…It’s going to be built.’

When the reporter asks for whom, Trump replied, ‘For me!’

Trump unveiled his plans to build a grand arch across from the Lincoln Memorial during a dinner in the East Room

The president also showcased the design plans for the arch on his desk in the Oval Office in front of reporters

Trump showcased different 3-D models of the arch to his billionaire donors in the East Room

Since reentering the White House nine months ago, Trump has personally overseen several designer changes to the White House, including in the Rose Garden and Oval Office. 

Trump did not specify the exact cost of the new design project or who would be funding the operation.

‘It’s so relaxing for me, real estate is relaxing,’ Trump told donors in the East Room. 

‘For a lot of people, real estate is a very trying business. I’ve always liked it. I’ve always done well with it.’

The commander-in-chief cited presidents who have introduced massive designer projects during their White House terms: ‘James Monroe who added the South Portico to Andrew Jackson who added the North Portico to Theodore Roosevelt, who added the West Wing… And Harry Truman, who added the Truman Balcony.’

The donors at Monday’s gathering were executives and representatives of multi-billion dollar corporations, including Alphabet’s Google, Meta, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir.

Trump promised his ballroom donors that the final product would be completed with ‘exquisite’ taste and could be used to host future presidential inaugurations.

‘I consider myself an important designer because they come in with things that they may be good designers, but boy, the things they can recommend are horrible,’ Trump joked.

Donors from the largest corporations in the country were present at Trump’s arch presentation

Trump also claimed Arlington Memorial Bridge, where his giant arch will be placed, was supposed to host a statue of Robert E. Lee in 1902.

‘Every time somebody rides over that beautiful bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, they literally say something is supposed be here. We have versions of it… This is a mockup.’

‘That’s Arlington Memorial Bridge,’ Trump continued. ‘ In 1902, they were going to put a statue of Robert E. Lee up, would have been ok with me—would’ve been on with a lot of the people in this room.’