Trump announces $40M Garden of Heroes in DC promising ‘most beautiful’ statues of American icons
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has announced that the National Garden of Heroes will be located in West Potomac Park in Washington, DC, promising it "will feature the MOST BEAUTIFUL collection of statues of AMERICAN HEROES."
The project is being funded with approximately $40 million from Congress through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as preparations ramp up for America's 250th birthday celebration in July.
Trump promises beautiful collection of statues
In a Truth Social post, Trump said the project would convert what he described as a "totally BARREN field of Prime Waterfront Real Estate" along the Potomac River into a tribute to America's most prominent figures.
He further stated that "When finished, West Potomac Park will be a World Class Masterpiece with elegant Landscaping, and adorned with Beautiful Statues, and be yet another one of my great projects to make Washington, DC."
The proposed garden is expected to feature as many as 250 life-size statues representing a broad cross-section of American achievement.
President Trump posts on TruthSocial: I am proud to announce the site of the NATIONAL GARDEN OF AMERICAN HEROES.
— Donald J Trump Posts TruthSocial (@TruthTrumpPost) May 15, 2026
This magnificent exhibition of statues will be located in West Potomac Park, which we are transforming into one of the World's most beautiful public spaces. Right… pic.twitter.com/mwq883WQuw
“The National Garden of American Heroes will feature the MOST BEAUTIFUL collection of statues of AMERICAN HEROES," Trump wrote, adding the site will honor "Illustrious Founding Fathers, Military Warriors, Religious Leaders, Civil Rights Champions, World Class Athletes, Artists, Entertainers, and MORE."
Names included in Trump's executive order range from George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr to Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Kobe Bryant, Elvis Presley, Walt Disney, Whitney Houston, Babe Ruth and Alex Trebek.
Trump said the attraction would become a destination for visitors, writing that "The people of America (and the World!) will come here to learn and be inspired by the 'Greats.'"
Another HISTORIC project from @POTUS! 🇺🇸
— Secretary Doug Burgum (@SecretaryBurgum) May 15, 2026
As America approaches its 250th birthday, @POTUS is continuing to honor our nation’s legacy with the National Garden of American Heroes, a landmark in Washington, D.C. that will be enjoyed for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/nCcKMNMD7M
Project counters reckless attempts to erase heritage
The long-discussed project was first introduced during Trump's first term. Trump framed the garden as a response to what he described as efforts to erase American history and national pride.
A 2021 executive order expanded the proposal and declared that the garden would stand as "America's answer to this reckless attempt to erase our heroes, values, and entire way of life."
The executive order described the monument park as a celebration of "America's timeless exceptionalism" and said it would inspire future generations to "believe, once more, in America."
Trump concluded his announcement by writing, "The National Garden of American Heroes is one more project we are undertaking to honor the 250th Birthday of the Greatest Nation on Earth, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!"
