President Donald Trump may be preparing to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary with a towering tribute to American power. Leaked photos from the Oval Office appear to show plans for a grand arch monument, reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe (English: Arch of Triumph) in Paris, proposed near Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, about a mile from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The design, unofficially dubbed by observers as the “Arc de Trump,” includes classical features and patriotic symbols.
Images from Thursday’s meeting between Trump and Finnish President Alex Stubb revealed a detailed model of the monument placed prominently on the Resolute Desk. The smaller-scale mock-up, positioned on a map, pointed to a traffic circle just across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.
A second, larger model displayed additional elements, including a golden winged angel holding a torch, flanked by two white eagles—imagery consistent with Trump’s affinity for neoclassical design.
US President Trump met with the Finnish Prime Minister at the White House, during which reporters noticed a planned model of a French Arc de Triomphe-style building placed on the desk in the Oval Office. The building will be even more magnificent than the Lincoln Memorial across… pic.twitter.com/6XsCHhNpSq
— diana (@diana00455493) October 13, 2025
Design echoes the Arc de Triomphe, tied to the 250th anniversary
The layout bears a close resemblance to France’s Arc de Triomphe, which Napoleon commissioned in the 1800s to honor fallen soldiers.
The Facebook page “Donald Trump for President,” which has more than six million followers, shared a nearly identical design back in September. The post associated the monument with celebrations planned for the nation’s semiquincentennial in 2026.
While the White House has not responded to requests for comment, the imagery and online posts have raised speculation that the arch could become a centerpiece of next year’s anniversary events.
Since returning to the office in January, Trump has launched a series of building and renovation efforts at the White House.
Among them is a new ballroom under construction adjacent to the West Wing. A scale model of that structure appeared on the president’s desk in a photo posted Wednesday by Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino.
White House renovations reflect Trump’s personal aesthetic
The Oval Office itself has undergone a redesign, featuring gold accents, paintings, and elaborate ornamentation. During a previous meeting, Trump reportedly paused the discussion to describe updates to the Cabinet Room, giving particular attention to newly installed drapes.
Trump has also reconfigured the White House Rose Garden, paving over portions and adding picnic tables with yellow-and-white umbrellas, creating a look similar to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
In August, the president signed an executive order promoting the use of classical architecture for federal buildings.
Inspired by the aesthetics of ancient Rome and Greece, the order reflects his long-standing interest in using monuments and design to highlight America’s strength and military history.
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