The White House has defended reported plans for massive Independence Arch

The White House is responding to those who worry that President Donald Trump’s announced plans for a new triumphal arch modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris are too big and will obscure Washington’s skyline.

The Washington Post reported Saturday that Trump plans to install a 250-foot-tall Independence Arch to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, overlooking the Potomac River between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. The Post article cited an expert who said the arch would obstruct the view of nearby monuments.

“The ‘experts’ who think it’s ‘too big’ are used to living with small things,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a social media post Sunday evening.

Donald Trump posted a mock-up of his “Trump Arc” on Truth Social on January 23. (Donald Trump/Social Truth)

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The White House did not confirm the exact dimensions of the arch Trump envisions, but said it would become a key landmark in Washington.

“The Arch will be one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington, D.C., but in the entire world,” White House spokesperson David Ingle said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “President Trump’s bold vision will be etched into the fabric of America and felt by generations to come. His successes will continue to give the greatest nation on earth – America – the glory it deserves.”

President Donald Trump holds models of an arch as he delivers a speech during a fundraising dinner in the East Room of the White House, October 15, 2025, in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

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Trump also did not answer questions about the dimensions of the ark when pressed on the subject Saturday aboard Air Force One, but confirmed that he wanted a large structure in place.

“I wish it was the biggest one of all,” Trump told reporters. “We are the greatest and most powerful nation.”

A model of the triumphal arch proposed by President Donald Trump to commemorate the country’s 250th anniversary is seen on the Resolute desk, October 15, 2025, in Washington. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

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Although Trump has previously considered smaller arches, the Post reported that Trump opted for the 250-foot structure because it is the most impressive and is “250 for 250.”

The Post article cited art critic Catesby Leigh, who previously argued for a smaller arch for the 250th anniversary celebration.

“I don’t think an arch that big has any place here,” Leigh told the Post.

Meanwhile, the proposed 250-foot structure far exceeds the scope of other major buildings in the area. For example, the White House is only 70 feet tall, while the Lincoln Memorial is about 100 feet tall.

The proposed ark, which Trump has been floating since late 2025, is one of several projects being pursued by the Trump administration. Others include building a new ballroom at the White House and paving the White House Rose Garden.

Jasmine Baehr of Fox News contributed to this report.