President Donald Trump said Wednesday that construction on his long-teased Triumphal Arch is expected to begin “sometime in the next two months,” putting the ambitious project on track well ahead of America’s 250th birthday in 2026.
The timeline would place groundbreaking before July 4, 2026, as the White House accelerates preparations for the nation’s semiquincentennial — a milestone Trump has made a central focus of his second term. Speaking by phone from Mar-a-Lago, Trump expressed confidence that the project is finally ready to move forward.
“It hasn’t started yet. It starts sometime in the next two months. It’ll be great. Everyone loves it,” Trump told POLITICO. “They love the ballroom too. But they love the Triumphal Arch.”
The proposed arch, modeled loosely on grand European victory monuments, is one of several high-profile initiatives Trump has personally championed as part of the anniversary celebrations. The broader effort is expected to include events and commemorations at both the national and local level, designed to highlight American history, strength, and achievement.
Trump has frequently displayed a model of the Triumphal Arch in recent months, underscoring his personal investment in the project. At various points, plans have envisioned building the structure near the Lincoln Memorial, on the opposite end of a bridge leading toward Arlington National Ceremony, placing it among the most iconic landmarks in the nation’s capital.
The president has framed the arch as a patriotic symbol meant to honor American history and military service. Supporters see it as a bold and fitting tribute ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary, while critics have questioned the cost, the design, and whether the executive branch has the authority to move forward with such construction in Washington without congressional approval.
Still, Trump has shown little interest in backing away from the idea, portraying it as part of a broader effort to celebrate the nation in a big and unapologetic way. The Triumphal Arch is just one piece of that vision.
In addition to the monument, Trump has also promoted a planned Ultimate Fighting Championship event to be held on White House grounds on June 14. The idea, like many of Trump’s proposals, has drawn attention for its unconventional nature.
Asked who he would want to see compete at the White House UFC match, Trump deferred to UFC President Dana White, a longtime ally. “Well, Dana’s picking them. He’s the best fight picker there is, right?” Trump said. “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 suggested the event could feature numerous bouts, saying there could be “many matches, like 10,” indicating it would be a full championship-level showcase rather than a single exhibition fight.
In a separate interview with POLITICO last week, Trump also addressed the political landscape heading into the midterm elections. He argued that the race will center on “pricing,” signaling a focus on costs and the economy. Trump also reiterated his view that he would serve as the ultimate decisionmaker in any potential peace deal related to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Taken together, Trump’s comments reflect a president intent on shaping both the nation’s future and how its history is commemorated. With construction on the Triumphal Arch expected to begin soon, Trump appears determined to leave a lasting physical and symbolic mark as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary.
[READ MORE: Scott Jennings Says Greene “Went Off the Deep End” in 2025, Downplays GOP Divisions]
