NATION Aaron Steckelberg, Dan Diamond The Washington Post June 3, 2026, 9:17 a.m. ET View Comments For years, some enthusiasts of classical architecture have argued that Washington needs a triumphal arch, contending that a new monument would be a fitting way to mark America’s 250th anniversary. President Donald Trump took the idea, enlarged it and is now pushing to begin construction on a 250-foot-tall arch as soon as possible.