Posted on 02/04/2026 6:28:07 AM PST by MtnClimber
Between the White House ballroom currently under construction, and the proposed Arc du Trump currently in the planning stage, Washington DC could look entirely different when President Trump leaves office. The classic elements are genuinely inspiring.
PRESIDENT TRUMP – “This beautiful building will be, when complete, the much-anticipated White House Ballroom — The Greatest of its kind ever built! It is a rendering from the Treasury Building, directly across the street, and replaces the very small, dilapidated, and rebuilt many times, East Wing, with a magnificent New East Wing, consisting of a glorious Ballroom that has been asked for by Presidents for over 150 years. Being an identical height and scale, it is totally in keeping with our historic White House. This is the first rendering shown to the Public. If you notice, the North Wall is a replica of the North Facade of the White House, shown at the right-hand side of the picture. This space will serve our Country well for, hopefully, Centuries into the future! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP“
Who do you think will be the first “guest of honor” at a state dinner using the completed ballroom?
One of the proposals for the Washington DC “Arch”
I am guessing Putin or Modi or some Arab will be the first guest of honor. Those are the only people he likes.
A comprehensive list of triumphal arches throughout history:
## **ANCIENT ROMAN ARCHES (Still Standing):**
**In Rome:**
- **Arch of Titus** (81 AD) - Celebrates victory over Jerusalem
- **Arch of Septimius Severus** (203-205 AD) - Victory over Parthians
- **Arch of Constantine** (312-315 AD) - Victory over Maxentius; largest surviving example
**Outside Rome:**
- **Arch of Augustus** - Susa, Aosta, Rimini, Pola (Italy)
- **Arch of Trajan** - Ancona and Benevento (Italy), began 114 CE
- **Triumphal Arch of Orange** (c. 21 AD, France) - Earliest surviving triple arch
- **Arch of Marcus Aurelius** - Tripoli (Libya)
- **Arch of Septimius Severus** - Leptis Magna (Libya), c. 203 AD
- **Arch of Galerius** - Thessaloniki (Greece)
- **Hadrian’s Gate** - Antalya (Turkey)
## **MODERN TRIUMPHAL ARCHES:**
**France:**
- **Arc de Triomphe** (1806-1836) - Paris; most famous modern arch
- **Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel** (1808) - Paris
**Russia:**
- **Narva Triumphal Arch** - Saint Petersburg
- **General Staff Building Arch** - Saint Petersburg
**England:**
- **Marble Arch** - London
- **Wellington Arch** - London
**Germany:**
- **Siegestor** (1852) - Munich
**United States:**
- **Soldiers & Sailors Arch** - Brooklyn, NYC
**Italy:**
- **Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arch** - Milan
## **TOTAL SCOPE:**
By the fourth century AD there were 36 triumphal arches in Rome alone, though only three survive. Triumphal arches were constructed across the entire Roman Empire, with examples throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Had been thinking, state dinners by definition host foreign heads of state, but okay, fair enough.
Latest status for January showed that demolition was completed and new construction is ongoing and slightly ahead of schedule. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has sued to halt construction, but that is still in court.
Where is the line between gaudy/ostentatious and architectural perfection/elegance? I personally prefer Versailles to an East German apartment complex.
The RATS continue to complain about this beautiful addition to the White House - so the president and dignitaries do not have to meet in tents. All funded by donations.
Of course the RATS said nothing when Obama used taxpayer funds to renovate the White House:
“Obama’s 2010 $376 million White House renovation was fully funded by taxpayers unlike President Trump’s $250 million ballroom he’s paying for himself.”
It's now up to $400 million.
I love it! I wish I could go there and take part in one of the celebrations that will happen there. God Bless President Trump.
I agree that we should have a “ball room” that meets the standards of the “greatest country in the world.”
But I hate the gold inlay everywhere. It’s possible to have stately without looking like Louis XVI lived here. Most Americans are ostentatious. They like classy without flaunting.
It IS possible to think its necessary, but also understand the next occupant is going to take a chisel to the gold.
Right? All those tax dollars NOT being wasted....... 😊👍
I’m thrilled with the ballroom. Its going to be great. Maybe the arch will grow on me. 😆
Make them Golden Arches with French fry accents.
We formed this to nation to not be like Europe with their kings and royalty .
Human nature seems to crave having a king.
The ballroom has nothing to do with monarchy.
“There is a certain gaudiness that follows Trump.
I really don’t like the ostentatiousness of various European countries, and I don’t think we need to look like Europe or the Middle East, to any level of “glam.”” I agree. The addition cause the building to be unbalanced and ugly.
One thing is certain, it won’t be you.😏
It is great that Trump is doing this. He’s the perfect president to manage a project like adding a ballroom to the White House. And its also a perfect example of TDS. There is absolutely no legitimate reason for anyone to oppose the addition of the ballroom - for free - to the White House. Other than, of course, pure hatred of Trump.
Oh please, having a ballroom, or room for large dinners and events is not just for Kings and royalty.
It beats a lousy tent and porta potties on the White House lawn.
Why were all of MAGA invited to donate? Smells of fascism.
Washington is big enough all ready.
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