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Trump's plan for triumphal arch moves step closer to reality
By Alex Nitzberg
Published April 17, 2026
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts on Thursday gave preliminary approval to President Donald Trump's plan for a massive new triumphal arch monument in the nation's capital, according to The New York Times.
The outlet reported that the body holds an advisory role regarding the project's design but does not wield enforcement authority.
The Associated Press reported that the commission approved the concept for several projects, including the arch.
The federal agency will next review updated designs for all three projects at a future meeting before taking any final votes.
The phrase "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" emblazons the triumphal in this mock-up design from Harrison Design. The back of the arch has a matching emblem that says "LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL." (Harrison Design via the White House Commission of Fine Arts)
The proposed monument features a giant arch topped with a winged Lady Liberty statue flanked by eagle statues.
Near the base of the arch there would be lion statues.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House Friday.
The AP reported that White House spokesperson Davis Ingle indicated that the commission's action is "another step in accomplishing President Trump’s promise to the American people from the campaign trail — to Make America Safe and Beautiful Again."
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Commission of Fine Arts commissioners — Vice Chairman James C. McCrery II, Chairman Rodney Mims Cook Jr. and Pamela Hughes Patenaude — listen to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum speak at a public hearing on President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary at the National Building Museum April 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Reports indicate that commission Vice Chair James C. McCrery II raised a number of design notes, including the possibility of not including the statues atop the monument.
"And I wonder ... if it's not even a better, more Washingtonian design without the three finials," he said.
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A model of President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary is seen on the Resolute Desk Oct. 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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"I'd say work on the lions and find replacements for them," he said, noting that, as he had indicated previously, "They're not of this continent."
The Associated Press contributed to this report
https://00yihya.com/politics/trump-plan-triumphal-arch-moves-step-closer-reality