President Donald Trump revealed his plans for a new triumphant arch over the Lincoln Memorial during a fundraising dinner at the White House on Oct. 15. On the surface, the project would commemorate the 250th anniversary of the nation and provide an extravagant entrance into the country’s capital from the Memorial Bridge.
Looking deeper, though, it’s easy to see how the plans for this arch reflect the rampant overspending and political miscalculations of the Trump administration. This type of project has grim implications and serious issues, which include the drainage of federal funds, the normalization of lavish infrastructure centered around specific politicians and the erosion of public trust in governments through fiscal mismanagement.
In the most charitable interpretation, Trump’s dramatic changes to Washington, D.C., during his second term mark a return to his roots as a businessman and real estate developer. But look deeper at the project and others, and you see how Trump’s arch mirrors the egotisms of other projects such as his demolition of the East Wing of the White House in favor of a new ballroom that is as big as one and a half football fields, dwarfing the White House itself, and his paving over of the Rose Garden.
These changes show Trump’s constant effort to leave his mark on the capital through large scale renovations. Extravagant public works projects like these communicate to other countries the mixed priorities of America, whose administration is currently focused on symbolic projects instead of actions with real political substance.
Even though he said his arch’s purpose was solely for the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Trump pointed to himself when asked who the arch was for at the fundraising dinner. His actions show that the arch may be a monument to himself disguised as a tribute to America’s independence. This type of self-glorifying monument is an atrocious mispending of government funds.
This is in character for what citizens have come to expect from Trump. His public persona and interviews across both of his terms show his ego as large and unfiltered.
His shift from entertainment as the host of the reality show “The Apprentice” to politics shows up in his policies and actions. He treats the White House like his TV show boardroom, and carries his domineering personality from the show over into his governmental role
When asked about the cost of the arch project or how it would be paid for, Trump had few specifics, reporting that he would use leftover funds from the ballroom project, which already costs a massive $300 million. One estimate sets the cost at $100 million by the end of its construction. The completion date of July 4, 2026 is also simply unrealistic, considering the size and scope of the project.
Recent polls show that around 50-60% of Americans are opposed to Trump’s projects at the White House and around D.C. Most share the opinion that the new construction will be an eyesore over the skyline of Washington, D.C.
It’s important to hold the president accountable for his overspending and prioritization of extravagant, ego-driven trivial projects like the arch and the ballroom.
This includes staying informed, spreading reliable information, participating fully in elections and making public opinions on the Trump administration clear through vocal groups or demonstrations. Instead of being a vibrant monument supposedly commemorating the nation’s independence, projects like the arch are a useless piece of infrastructure meant to symbolize Trump’s power over the country.