President Trump told POLITICO he expects construction of the long‑promised "Triumphal Arch" to begin within two months, potentially before the July 4, 2026 semiquincentennial. The arch, described as loosely modeled on European victory monuments, is planned near the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery but has drawn criticism over cost, design and legal authority. Trump also promoted a June 14 UFC event on White House grounds and deferred fighter selections to Dana White, saying there could be "many matches, like 10."
Trump Says Construction of 'Triumphal Arch' Will Begin Within Two Months Ahead of 250th Anniversary
President Donald Trump told POLITICO in an interview Wednesday that construction of the long‑promised "Triumphal Arch" is expected to begin "sometime in the next two months," a timeline that would put the start before the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.
Speaking by phone from Mar‑a‑Lago, Trump said the project — which he has sometimes presented with a scale model — will be widely popular.
"It hasn’t started yet. It starts sometime in the next two months. It’ll be great. Everyone loves it," Trump said. "They love the ballroom too. But they love the Triumphal Arch."
The proposed monument is described by the White House as loosely modeled on European victory arches and is one of several high‑profile initiatives championed by Trump for the semiquincentennial celebrations, a wide‑ranging program of national and local events planned across the country.
Planned Location and Controversy
Trump’s team has floated plans to site the arch near the Lincoln Memorial, at the far end of the bridge leading to Arlington National Cemetery. The proposal has drawn both support and criticism: proponents call it a patriotic landmark to honor American history and military service, while critics question the cost, the aesthetics and whether the executive branch can unilaterally authorize such new construction in federal parkland in Washington, D.C.
Other White House Events
The president has also promoted an Ultimate Fighting Championship event planned for White House grounds on June 14. When asked whom he would like to see fight, Trump deferred to UFC President Dana White, a longtime ally.
"Well, Dana’s picking them. He’s the best fight picker there is, right? He’s going to pick all of the top fighters. Going to be all championship matches. It’ll be the best ever, I think. Really incredible," Trump said, adding there could be "many matches, like 10."
Political Context
In a separate POLITICO interview last week, Trump discussed Republican strategy for the midterm elections, saying the contest will be about "pricing," and asserted that he would be the ultimate decisionmaker on any potential peace deal in Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Key facts: construction expected within two months; proposed site near Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery; critics raise cost, aesthetics and legal concerns; White House plans include a June 14 UFC event with multiple championship bouts; Trump reiterated his central role in foreign‑policy decisions.
