Trump Praises India Gate, Then Vows American Arch Will Be ‘Greatest Of All’

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – India’s iconic India Gate found favor with President Donald Trump, who praised the New Delhi landmark before pivoting to a familiar theme of American grandeur.

On February 2, Trump shared a photograph of India Gate, describing the 1921 war memorial as a “beautiful triumphal arch.” The structure, built to honor soldiers of the British Indian Army who died during World War I, is among India’s most recognizable national monuments.

Trump’s admiration, however, quickly turned comparative. He added, “Ours will be the greatest of all.”

To reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump expanded on the idea, arguing that Washington, DC, stands out among global capitals for lacking such a monument. He said dozens of cities worldwide have triumphal arches commemorating wars or national milestones, while the US capital does not.

Triumphal arches have their origins in ancient Rome and have long been used by empires and nation states to symbolize military victories and national achievements.

“We’re the only major city, Washington, D.C., that doesn’t,” Trump said, adding that any American version should reflect the country’s power and status.

The proposed structure would be part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence on July 4, 2026. Trump has suggested that the design would be loosely inspired by Paris’s Arc de Triomphe and could be built across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.