So Yeah, The New DC Arch Looks Exactly As Predictable As Everyone Expected

In case you didn’t know, Donald Trump is looking to build a big ol’ arch in Washington, DC. A person in a dark suit and red tie holds a miniature white arch model during a speaking event, standing behind a podium

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Here’s a closer look at the model: A small white architectural model of a historic arch with statues on top, displayed on a colorful surface

Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images

On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social some renderings of what that could look like: Three side-by-side images show a monument progressively transforming with fewer components. Social media interface showing engagement stats below The simplest option: A digital rendering of a neoclassical arch resembling Paris's Arc de Triomphe, surrounded by a few people in a park setting

This one added some statues: Monumental arch with statues and intricate carvings, surrounded by people on a wide plaza

And this one is obviously covered in gold: Ornate archway titled "The Independence Arch" with statues and people walking nearby in a park setting Remind you of something? A person sitting in front of an ornate fireplace with intricate gold details and decorative vases on the mantel

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Now, let’s look at some reactions! A man in a suit whispers to another suited man seated next to him at a formal event, with others in business attire in the background

Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images

We have, “He is laser focused on things that matter to the American people.” A tweet by PatriotTakes shows a proposed DC arch by Trump, with three renderings. The post emphasizes his focus on American issues “Are these health care portals?” Tweet questioning healthcare portals. Below, images show Trump's proposed arches in DC, with a statement about focusing on the American people “This shit and everything he has touched/built needs to be torned down in 2028 on day 1.” Tweet by user saying structures proposed by Trump should be torn down in 2028. Shows three images of arches

“Well this is going to help Americans put affordable food on their table said no one ever!!” Screenshot of a tweet mocking Trump's proposed arch designs, highlighting skepticism about its relevance to American needs

And lastly, “Awful lot of renovations going on for a rental.” Tweet with images of an arch labeled "The Independence Arch" from @WhiteHouse. Comment by @christiancooper reads, "Awful lot of renovations going on for a rental." Thoughts??? Social media post by Donald J. Trump showing three identical arch structures, with engagement stats and date: Jan 23, 2026, 12:00 PM