President Donald Trump unveiled a new proposal Thursday that would create a scenic promenade connecting the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River, adding another ambitious project to his broader effort to modernize and enhance Washington, D.C.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump revealed the concept for what some supporters have suggested calling the “Trump Promenade,” though the president appeared undecided about whether the name would ultimately be used.
“They want to call it the Trump Promenade,” Trump told reporters. “I don't know if I want to do that, but it's going to be beautiful.”
According to Trump, the project would fulfill part of the original vision for the Lincoln Memorial by reconnecting the historic monument to the Potomac River. He noted that the memorial's original plans from 1911 envisioned a stronger connection to the waterfront, but modern roadways eventually separated the site from the river.
“It’s going to take the Lincoln Memorial right down to the Potomac, which it was always scheduled to do,” Trump explained.
The proposal would reportedly create a pathway over the existing roadways, allowing visitors easier access between the memorial and the river while preserving traffic flow. Trump described the concept as a beautiful solution that would improve one of America's most iconic landmarks.
The announcement comes shortly after work was completed on resurfacing the Reflecting Pool near the Lincoln Memorial. On Thursday, water was being pumped back into the pool as the restoration project neared completion.
Trump has made revitalizing Washington a major focus of his second term, launching a series of infrastructure and beautification projects throughout the capital. These efforts have included renovations to historic monuments, plans for a new White House ballroom, and proposals for additional architectural landmarks.
Not surprisingly, some of the president’s projects have generated criticism and legal challenges. In Washington, if someone proposes fixing a road, painting a building, or planting a tree, there’s usually a committee ready to spend six months explaining why it can’t be done.
The proposed promenade is expected to spark debate over both its design and its place within the nation’s capital. Supporters, however, view the project as another example of Trump’s focus on restoring national pride and investing in public spaces that celebrate American history.
As planning continues, the vision of reconnecting the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River could become one of the most visible additions to Washington’s landscape in decades. Whether it ultimately carries Trump’s name or not, the project reflects a broader effort to preserve historic landmarks while enhancing them for future generations of Americans.
