Donald Trump on Monday expressed his desire to build an India Gate-like structure in Washington, DC, after the British-era monument caught his eye. He shared an image of India Gate on Truth Social, writing, “India’s beautiful triumphal arch; ours will be the greatest of all.”
The post comes against the backdrop of Trump’s plan to build a colossal new triumphal arch in the US capital to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, which falls this year.
Trump has reportedly warmed to the idea of building a 250-foot-tall structure by the Potomac River, with the proposed monument, the “Independence Arch,” set to dwarf other iconic structures in the capital, including the Lincoln Memorial.
According to The Washington Post, Trump is considering a larger-than-expected structure that will serve as a new symbol of the US for its 250th anniversary of Independence later this year.
Even after considering smaller versions of the proposed structure, including 165-foot and 123-foot designs, Trump said he chose the largest option because he wanted to leave an everlasting impression on visitors.
Trump had also floated an ambitious timeline for the structure, telling Politico in December that he hoped construction would begin within the next two months.
However, the project is racing against time, with White House officials yet to release final design plans or submit them to the federal review panel.
Moreover, the proposed site for the monument — Memorial Circle — is under the control of the National Park Service, meaning any construction would need to clear multiple layers of approval.
Set to rise near the Potomac River, the proposed arch would tower over both the White House, which stands about 70 feet tall, and the Lincoln Memorial, at roughly 100 feet.
Sources quoted by The Post said Trump often invokes “250 for 250” to justify the height as a tribute to the nation’s milestone anniversary.
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