Roman Empire 2.0: Coming to DC?

Published on: Thu, 21 May 2026 16:41:50 GMT
Original Story: Design plan for Trump’s proposed Washington arch is approved by Trump-appointed commission – PBS

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Trump’s Triumphal Arch: Now With Extra Gold Leaf!

Oh, joy. Just when you thought political discourse couldn’t get any more… *ahem*… nuanced, we get this. A design plan for Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch in Washington D.C. has been given the thumbs-up by a commission stacked with Trump appointees. Because, you know, nothing says “humble public servant” like erecting a monument to yourself. I’m sure the plebs will just *love* it.

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about historical preservation or honoring the fallen. This is about solidifying a legacy, preferably in gleaming, ostentatious fashion. Remind me again, is he running for president or auditioning for Emperor of America?

The Commission: A Who’s Who of “Yes Men”

Naturally, the commission approving this architectural marvel (read: ego stroke) is brimming with individuals hand-picked during Trump’s previous reign. Conflict of interest? Nah, that’s just “fake news.” These are, without a doubt, totally impartial arbiters of good taste and civic planning, not people who owe their positions to the man who wants to build a golden gate to his memory. And I’m sure they considered all public feedback with the utmost sincerity… right after they cashed their checks.

Remember When Trump Hated Statues? Pepperidge Farm Remembers.

Here’s a fun fact: Back in 2017, Trump was practically frothing at the mouth about removing Confederate statues. He claimed they were divisive and offensive. Now, he wants to build a monument to himself? The irony is so thick, you could spread it on toast. I guess some statues are more equal than others. Or, maybe, he just REALLY likes statues of *himself*.

It’s fascinating, really, to watch the mental gymnastics required to reconcile these positions. Is it hypocrisy? Is it political expediency? Is it just plain old attention-seeking behavior? Honestly, at this point, I’m not even sure *he* knows. But one thing is clear: consistency is not exactly his strong suit.

What Will It Look Like? (And More Importantly, How Much Will It Cost?)

Details are, shall we say, “fluid” at this stage. But you can bet your bottom dollar it won’t be understated. We’re talking grandiose arches, maybe some eagles, possibly a likeness of The Donald himself, looking suitably presidential (or perhaps channeling a Roman emperor). The budget? Probably enough to solve world hunger, but hey, priorities, right?

And speaking of budget, who’s footing the bill for this spectacle? Taxpayers? Private donors? A combination of both? I shudder to think of the grift that could be involved in the fundraising for this monument. It’ll probably make the GoFundMe for that border wall look like a lemonade stand.

The Bigger Picture: A Warning Sign?

While it’s easy to dismiss this as just another Trumpian vanity project, it hints at a larger, more unsettling trend. This isn’t just about building a statue; it’s about cementing a legacy, rewriting history, and creating a cult of personality. It’s about projecting power and dominance, even after leaving office. It screams, “I was here, I mattered, and you WILL remember me!”

And let’s not forget the precedent this sets. If Trump gets to build his triumphal arch, what’s to stop every future president from commissioning their own monument? Will the National Mall eventually resemble a bizarre theme park dedicated to presidential egos?

Seriously, Though, an Arch?

An arch? Really? I mean, come on. It’s so… textbook authoritarian. It’s like straight out of a dictator’s handbook. You almost expect to see goose-stepping soldiers marching underneath it while a chorus sings praises to the glorious leader. And, frankly, the fact that his team thought this was a good idea tells you everything you need to know.

I wonder if they considered a pyramid. Or maybe a giant golden statue of him riding a bald eagle. Missed opportunities, people!

Snarky Takeaway

So, to recap: Trump wants to build a monument to himself, conveniently forgets his previous stance on statues, and is using a commission of loyalists to push it through. Shocking? No. Predictable? Absolutely. Depressing? You betcha. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a stiff drink and contemplate the slow decline of Western civilization. Cheers!