Trump reveals 'Trump Promenade' plan connecting Lincoln Memorial to Potomac River

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump revealed plans on June 4 for a new promenade behind the Lincoln Memorial, saying the project could eventually be known as the “Trump Promenade” as he continues a series of construction efforts across the nation’s capital.

Speaking at a White House event, Trump described the proposed development as a major addition to one of Washington’s most visited landmarks.

The project would connect the rear of the Lincoln Memorial directly to the Potomac River through a new pedestrian pathway and bridge.

“They want to call it the Trump Promenade, but I don't know if I want to do that, but it's going to be beautiful,” Trump said. 

New Trump-backed promenade connects to Potomac

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum offered details about the proposal during the event, explaining that the promenade would revive a vision tied to the historic McMillan Plan, the early 20th-century blueprint that helped shape the National Mall.

According to Burgum, the project would give visitors easier access to the Potomac River, something he said many tourists do not even realize is located a short distance from the memorial.

The proposed pedestrian bridge would take visitors “right down to the water,” Burgum said.

“Right now, there's no pedestrian access,” he added. “People come from around the world; they don't know that 100 yards away is the beautiful Potomac River.”

The promenade would stretch from the rear of the Lincoln Memorial toward the riverfront, creating a new pathway connecting two of Washington’s most recognizable landmarks.

Trump expands Washington construction project agenda

The promenade is the latest addition to a broader effort by Trump to reshape parts of Washington through new construction projects.

During the same event, Trump also highlighted plans for a massive 250-foot memorial arch along the Memorial Avenue Corridor.

The proposal has already generated controversy and sparked legal challenges. “This is an arc that is a real bow, a beautiful bow to your military and your military victories,” Trump said.

“Nobody's had more military victories, including recently, than we have,” he added.

The president has also overseen the demolition of the White House East Wing to make room for a planned 90,000-square-foot ballroom complex, another project that has drawn significant public attention.

Together, the projects represent one of the most ambitious efforts to alter the appearance of the nation’s capital in recent years.

Legal questions surround Trump construction projects

While Trump continues to promote the projects, some of them face legal and procedural challenges. According to critics, Congress has not authorized construction of the proposed memorial arch on federal land managed by the National Park Service.

Public Citizen, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group, has argued that congressional approval is required before such construction can move forward.

Questions have also been raised about the White House ballroom project.

Trump did not seek congressional approval before beginning work on the ballroom expansion, an issue that is currently being contested in court. Despite those disputes, the administration is moving ahead with plans for the promenade and other projects.