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Trump shares rendering of massive stone monument for DC to mark America’s 250th birthday

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Trump shares rendering of massive stone monument for DC to mark America’s 250th birthday


Call it the Arc de Trump.

President Trump posted an architect’s rendering of a huge triumphal arch to mark the nation’s 250th birthday – and his biggest change yet to the capital’s skyline.

The stone arch would be constructed just across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial — soaring above that memorial’s 99-foot height — and add a major new element to DC’s public architecture.

The online sketch depicts a massive monument that bears a strong resemblance to the Washington Square Park arch in Manhattan and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

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President Trump posted an architect’s rendering of a huge triumphal arch to mark the nation’s 250th birthday. @dannyctkemp / X

The stone monument features carved wreaths, two huge eagles facing East, and a golden winged angel brandishing a scepter.

The sketch is by architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau, a partner at Harrison Design whose Sacred Architecture Studio features church designs.

“He’s an extremely talented classical architect,” a source familiar with the project told The Post. “His business is mainly in sacred architecture, but he’s truly a classical architect not just some guy who’s copying and pasting columns.”

The first inkling of Trump’s latest building plans to transform Washington came to light with a small-scale model in the Oval Office. AFP posted images of the design model that was atop the president’s desk Thursday.

Illustration of a proposed triumphal arch in Washington D.C. @nic_charbonneau / X
The stone arch would be constructed across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. AFP via Getty Images

Only now is the extent of the preparation for the project coming to the fore, as Trump looks to fill 2026 with celebratory events including a Mixed Martial Arts fight to be hosted at the White House.

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The idea for the arch marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence came in an article by Catesby Leigh published weeks before Trump took office, according to the source.

The architecture critic called for a temporary arch, and pointed to the structure that marked Washington’s first inauguration, as well as the grandiose tradition dating back to the Romans. 

Information wasn’t available on the cost, the timeline for construction, or who would pay for it. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

The arch would go on undeveloped land between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery inside a grass-covered traffic circle.

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On its other side would be Arlington House, the Custis family mansion built as a memorial to George Washington.

It would hardly be the only new mark Trump is putting on the city.

Trump has also overseen the installation of a pair of 88-foot flag poles north and south of the White House, with other projects in the works. AP

Construction has already begun on a 90,000-square foot structure to house a 25,000-square foot ballroom that connects to the East Wing of the White House.

That structure is set to be larger than the 55,000 square foot executive residence. 

Trump, who sold his towering DC hotel at the end of his first term, has overseen the installation of a pair of 88-foot flag poles north and south of the White House.

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And he has gone on a design spree, redecorating the Oval Office and installing a multitude of gold finishings.

He has also brought up new art and artifacts from the White House collection to redesign the Cabinet Room, while installing white paving stones in the Rose Garden.

Other Trump projects include “Garden of Heroes” that Trump has ordered be built, along with new orders intended to maintain a classical stamp on federal buildings and reconsider some of the brutalist ones from the 20th Century.



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Washington, D.C

Felony warning issued as arrests reported at Reflecting Pool

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Felony warning issued as arrests reported at Reflecting Pool


Federal officials are warning visitors that taking paint chips, debris or other materials from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool could lead to felony charges as crews continue cleaning up a major algae bloom that has turned the landmark’s water bright green.

The warning comes after authorities reported multiple arrests Saturday involving people accused of removing material from the Reflecting Pool.

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Algae, paint problems plague Reflecting Pool

What we know:

While officials have not released the exact number of arrests or identified those taken into custody, law enforcement agencies said anyone caught taking paint chips or debris from the site could face serious criminal penalties.

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Visitors have reported seeing blue paint chips floating in the water as cleanup crews use mobile draining machines to remove algae and restore the pool. The unusual appearance of the Reflecting Pool has attracted large crowds to the National Mall in recent days, according to previous FOX 5 D.C. reporting. 

President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that work on the Reflecting Pool would begin immediately and claimed several arrests had been made in connection with what he described as deliberate sabotage of the site.

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Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific charges filed in the reported arrests. However, federal officials warned that removing government property from the Reflecting Pool could result in felony charges, and prosecutors could pursue more serious offenses if evidence shows anyone intentionally contaminated the water or caused additional damage.

READ MORE: Reflecting Pool looks ‘like vomit,’ visitors say; crews continue cleaning job

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“If there are more serious products that are put into the Reflecting Pool to create more algae or a bigger problem, then we’ll consider more serious charges,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro told Fox News. “But make no mistake, making D.C. beautiful is a priority and if you damage, vandalize or do anything to impact something like the Reflecting Pool, you can be prosecuted.”

What’s next:

The Reflecting Pool remains under active cleanup as officials investigate the cause of the algae bloom, according to the president. 

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According to federal contract data, a more extensive renovation, including potentially draining the pool again, could cost more than $14 million.

The Source: Information from FOX 5 D.C. reporting, President Donald Trump, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and other federal officials. 

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Washington, D.C.NewsDonald J. TrumpD.C. PoliticsPolitics



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Jeanine Pirro vows DC Reflecting Pool vandals will be ‘prosecuted to the fullest extent’ | Fox News Video

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Jeanine Pirro vows DC Reflecting Pool vandals will be ‘prosecuted to the fullest extent’ | Fox News Video


: U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro joins Peter Doocy to discuss the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool vandalism after a $14 million renovation. Pirro addresses President Trump’s accusations against ABC reporter Jonathan Karl for tampering with the pool. She emphasizes Trump’s commitment to making D.C. safe and beautiful by prosecuting all violations of law, including minor crimes, to foster respect.



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Double shooting reported near U Street corridor

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Double shooting reported near U Street corridor


Two men were injured in a shooting Saturday night in Northwest Washington, according to the Metropolitan Police Department.

Third District officers responded around 10:08 p.m. to the 900 block of Florida Avenue NW after receiving reports of a shooting.

ALSO SEE | Man dies after early-morning shooting in DC’s Shaw neighborhood

When officers arrived, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds, police said.

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D.C. Fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene and took both victims to hospitals for treatment. Authorities said the injuries were considered non-life-threatening.

Investigators have not released a description of any suspects, and no arrests have been announced as of Sunday.

READ ALSO | Suspect in Shaw Metro fatal shooting of AU grad appears in D.C. Superior Court

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police at 202-727-9099 or submit anonymous tips by texting 50411.

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