Trump’s plans for America’s 250th birthday include an ‘Arc de Trump’ and a race through Washington
Ahead of America’s 250th anniversary this summer, Donald Trump is planning an ‘Arc de Trump’, a fighting match on the White House lawn and more.
The United States of America is marking 250 years since it declared independence from Britain on July 4, 1776.
And this year’s celebrations will be very different from the bicentennial in 1976, which saw freedom trains, cultural programmes and a massive fireworks display outside the White House.
In a very Trumpian turn of events, DC will see an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn.
He also wants to mint $1 coins with his face on them, which is in violation of an 1866 law that bans a living person from appearing on US currency.
And last but not least, a brand new ‘Independence Arch’, which has already been nicknamed the ‘Arc de Trump’.
Trump hopes to build a 250ft arc in the style of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris – one foot for each year America has existed.
‘The one that people know mostly is the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. And we’re gonna top it by, I think, a lot,’ Trump said.
He shared renderings of the potential arc on Truth Social, with initial renderings showing it would be just half the size of the towering Washington Monument, which is 555ft tall.
‘The Arch is going to be one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington, D.C., but throughout the world,’ White House spokesman Davis Ingle told CNN.
There are also hopes to transform the historic National Mall into a race track, passing the Supreme Court and the Lincoln Memorial.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said in a statement: ‘The Grand Prix is an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate our nation’s proud racing pedigree, showcase the beauty of the National Mall, and generate millions in critical tourism revenue for the Capital.’
The event, which would happen in August, a month after the 250th anniversary, would need Congressional approval.
Elsewhere, US ambassadors abroad have been asking companies to donate money ahead of the 250th celebration.
US Ambassador to Singapore, Anjani Sinha, reportedly told executives at a fundraising dinner: ‘I need your money.’
That dinner was attended by executives from Citibank, Coinbase, Harley-Davidson and 3M – all major American companies.
The US Embassy in Japan is said to have already raised some $35,000,000 for its celebration, which will include more than 70 ‘cultural, educational, and sporting programs and events’.
Those who donated more than $1,000,000 to ‘Freedom 250’ – Trump’s name for the country’s 250th anniversary – are rumoured to be offered access to the President and receive tax deductions.
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