Trump displays a model of the Arc de Triomphe on his desk

The three-dimensional map, placed on the "Resolute Desk," the work table located in the Oval Office, shows a large white arch topped with statues.

It is located on a traffic circle on the banks of the Potomac River, on the opposite bank to the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most famous monuments in the American capital, and near the Arlington Military Cemetery.

Next to the model is another, larger scale model of the Arc de Triomphe, which allows the details to be seen, particularly the columns and the eagle sculptures on the top, framing a golden statue with outstretched wings, brandishing a torch.

On September 5, 2025, an account called "Donald Trump for President" posted a drawing on Facebook of the exact same monument, located in the same place, linking it to the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence, which will be celebrated on July 4, 2026.

The sketch in question bore the name of the Washington-based architectural firm Harrison Design.

Since returning to power, Donald Trump, a former real estate developer, has launched several renovation and construction projects, to which he devotes himself with obvious enthusiasm.

For example, he covered the walls of the Oval Office, a previously rather bare room, with gilded ornaments. He also had a huge ballroom built next to the White House.

The Republican leader signed a decree at the end of August to promote "classical" architecture, inspired by ancient Rome and Greece.

He has also repeatedly expressed his desire to celebrate more of the power and military victories of the United States.