Trump confirms 'Triumphal Arch' groundbreaking expected within 'two months'
PALM BEACH, FLORIDA: President Donald Trump on Wednesday, December 31, said that construction on his proposed "Triumphal Arch" in Washington, DC, is expected to begin within the next two months, placing the project on a fast track ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations in 2026.
Speaking to Politico from Mar-a-Lago, Trump said that the project has not yet broken ground but is moving toward construction.
The monument, which Trump has promoted as a signature addition to the capital’s landscape, is intended to serve as a focal point for the semiquincentennial and has been a recurring topic in his public remarks.
Trump says construction will begin 'in the next two months'
"It hasn’t started yet. It starts sometime in the next two months. It’ll be great. Everyone loves it," Trump said. "They love the ballroom too. But they love the Triumphal Arch."
Based on Trump’s timeline, construction would likely begin around March 2026, leaving a limited window for visible progress before Independence Day events.
Concept plans place the arch near the Lincoln Memorial, positioned at the end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge leading toward Arlington National Cemetery.
A contested legacy project
Trump has described the structure as a patriotic monument celebrating American history and military achievement. However, the proposal has drawn criticism from preservation groups and lawmakers.
Opponents have questioned the cost of the project, its visual impact on the historic National Mall, and whether the executive branch has the authority to advance construction without broader approval.
Despite those objections, Trump has repeatedly showcased a scale model of the arch in recent appearances, signaling his intent to move forward.
UFC on the South Lawn
The "Triumphal Arch" is part of a broader slate of events Trump is envisioning for 2026. He also discussed plans for a potential Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House South Lawn on June 14.
Trump said UFC President Dana White would determine the matchups, predicting a high-profile card.
"Dana’s picking them. He’s the best fight picker there is," Trump said. "He’s going to pick all of the top fighters. Going to be all championship matches."
Trump claims midterms will be about 'pricing'
In the interview, Trump also addressed the political outlook heading into the 2026 midterm elections, arguing that economic concerns will dominate the campaign.
He said that the races will come down to "pricing," echoing his recent emphasis on inflation and consumer costs.
Trump has increasingly framed economic conditions as central to both domestic politics and his broader leadership agenda.
