President Donald Trump has announced that the construction of a “Triumphal Arch” is set to commence within the next two months as part of the celebrations for the nation’s 250th birthday. This announcement was made during an interview published by Politico, where Trump expressed excitement about the project, stating, “It hasn’t started yet. It starts sometime in the next two months. It’ll be great. Everyone loves it.”
These developments come as part of a larger initiative to commemorate America’s 250 years of history. The celebration will kick off on New Year’s Eve 2025 with the illuminated Washington Monument, featuring a captivating projection-mapping spectacle titled the “Illumination of America.” This event will see the monument transformed into a luminous canvas narrating the story of the nation’s discovery, expansion, independence, and aspirations for the future.
The festive illuminations will begin at 7 p.m. ET on December 31, continuing with performances at the top of every hour until 12:15 a.m. on New Year’s Day, followed by additional shows from January 1 to January 5. Fireworks displays are scheduled for midnight on January 1 and again on January 5 at 7:55 p.m. The organization responsible for these celebrations, Freedom 250, has already begun testing the projections, sharing images from these trials on social media.
Trump reaffirmed his commitment to making the nation’s birthday celebration a monumental event, stating, “I’m making good on my pledge to give America the most spectacular birthday party the world has ever seen.” Alongside the monumental arch near Arlington National Cemetery, additional festivities are planned throughout the year to celebrate the enduring spirit of the nation.
As the nation gears up for this historic milestone, there is an air of optimism surrounding the celebratory events, promising a memorable year of reflection and pride in America’s rich history.