Arch Construction Timeline Set for Near‑Term Launch In a phone interview with POLITICO, former President Donald Trump announced that building the new Washington DC triumphal arch could begin within the next two months, positioning the project as a centerpiece for the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial celebrations [1]. He described the structure as “great” and said the public already loves it, indicating strong political momentum [1]. The statement follows months of speculation after an AFP photo first hinted at the arch’s existence [1].

Vince Haley Assigned to Direct Arch Development Trump named Vince Haley, his former speechwriter and former domestic policy council director, to oversee the arch project near the Lincoln Memorial [1]. Haley’s appointment places the initiative within a formal White House planning channel, underscoring its ceremonial significance [1]. This move signals Trump’s intent to manage the undertaking through trusted allies rather than external contractors [1].

Ballroom Renovation Budget and Funding Sources Detailed Alongside the arch, Trump disclosed a $400 million renovation plan for the White House ballroom [1]. He emphasized that the entire cost would be covered by private donations from individuals, corporations, and technology firms such as Google and Amazon [1]. Critics warned that the extensive modernization could jeopardize the ballroom’s historic integrity [1].

Design Comparisons and Initial Public Reveal The arch was first reported in October when an AFP photograph showed a White House map depicting a new structure on the Potomac River [1]. Trump compared the design to Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, claiming the U.S. version would surpass the French landmark in impact [1]. This comparison frames the arch as a patriotic centerpiece for the 250th‑anniversary celebrations [1].