President Donald Trump said he does not expect anyone to continue building monuments to him after he leaves office, confirming in a recent interview that he is behind a number of high-profile construction plans in Washington, DC.

Asked by New York Magazine about projects described as monuments, including a “triumphal arch”, Trump said the idea was straightforward: he is building them for himself and believes successors will not maintain the effort.

“That’s true,” Trump said. “Nobody will do it once I’m gone. When I leave here, nobody will.”

White House Projects Draw Internal Warnings

Trump’s second-term focus has been heavily centred on construction at the White House, including a new ballroom and other related work. Some congressional Republicans and advisers have expressed concern that the attention on the ballroom could make it harder for the party to stay on message for the midterm elections, and could undermine election prospects, New York Magazine reported.

Trump, however, portrayed the work differently when speaking to the magazine.

“The people should be thankful,” he said, adding that he had considered opposition to doing the interview but said he was “proud of the work” he was carrying out.

Security Claims Used To Justify The Ballroom

Trump has argued that the White House ballroom is needed for national security, pointing to proposed changes intended to strengthen protection. In his account to the magazine, the plan includes a drone port on the roof, an underground bunker and bulletproof windows.

The administration is also preparing a separate, larger construction project. According to the report, ground is expected to be broken on a 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery within the next two weeks.

While Trump did not dispute that the projects were personal in nature, the administration and Trump have repeatedly linked the work to security needs, including the upgrades described for the White House.

Legacy And What Will Remain

In an earlier report from CNN, sources described Trump’s motivation as being closely tied to his legacy. They said the president’s priorities ultimately rest on what he believes will endure beyond his term.

One source close to Trump told CNN in May that the key point was that Trump’s buildings would not be torn down. The source said that even if successors reversed policies, the ballroom would likely remain, while highlighting the East Wing as a lasting physical mark associated with Trump.

“The one thing they can’t tear down will be the East Wing. That is his lasting impact. That’s why he cares so deeply,” the source said, according to CNN, using the phrase “legacy sh*t”.

Trump’s latest comments reinforced that view of durability, while also indicating that he expects no further monument-building once he has left the White House.

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5 September 2026

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He is clearly insane.

14 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

He is clearly insane.

You would feel the same if there were no tribute here for your contributions. Dont pretend like you havent thought about it

How about " I'm going for a Trump ?

That might catch on as a legacy ?

28 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

He is clearly insane.

as he has rendered you and your ilk

No need for a monument.

He’s already in liberals heads 24/7/365. Even after he turns the Presidency over to Vance or Rubio, he’ll still be there 24/7/365.

Terminal.

56 minutes ago, HolmesEquivelant said:

Even after he turns the Presidency over to Vance or Rubio, he’ll still be there 24/7/365.

Silly me, I thought that the decision as to who will be the next President is up to the American people.

I didn't realise that it is in the gift of the current incumbent!

Edited 2 hours ago2 hr by JAG

Quite possible for new admin to remove anything with his name on it as soon as he’s gone. Would be interesting to see his reactions as the pictures of him start coming down and reversing all of his grandiosity.

That is why he is building and renaming monuments now, then all will have his name removed once he is gone,

Edited 1 hour ago1 hr by 1duckyboy

Why would they?

Many

2 hours ago, webfact said:

“That’s true,” Trump said. “Nobody will do it once I’m gone. When I leave here, nobody will.”

Abe Lincoln (1809-1865) - Memorial built 1920

George Washington (1732-1799) - 1848-1888

I simply cannot be bothered to trawl through the history of all US Presidents. Above are two classic examples of memorials being constructed well after the President's death.

At last! I really do think Trump may be telling the truth here.

4 minutes ago, AustinRacing said:

Quite possible for new admin to remove anything with his name on it as soon as he’s gone. Would be interesting to see his reactions as the pictures of him start coming down and reversing all of his grandiosity.

Trump couldn't add his own name to the Kennedy Centre, so maybe not.

But if he had managed to, it would be nice to show him some love on his way out by adding the names of his heroes to all his so called monuments to himself. e.g. The Obama Arc de Trump, or the Biden Trump Ballroom. The Epstein Trump Airport has a nice ring to it. Maybe even the Trump-Taylor Green Highway.

I imagine he would be spitting feathers and crapping in his diaper.

That's right.

That's why everytime I see dog <deleted> on the street, I build a monument to honor him.

It's what every Patriotic American needs to do. 🇺🇸

3 hours ago, harvardgrad said:

You would feel the same if there were no tribute here for your contributions. Dont pretend like you havent thought about it

Oh pleeeeeze

1 hour ago, JAG said:

Silly me, I thought that the decision as to who will be the next President is up to the American people.

I didn't realise that it is in the gift of the current incumbent!

“Silly me”. Your words. Quite frankly, accurate.

The American people will most likely elect Vance or Rubio. Personally, I prefer Rubio.

The current state of the Democratic Party leaves much to be desired. They’re disintegrating from within. While I’m sitting back watching and LMAO.

So, who’s your front runner for 2028?

This should be entertaining.

42 minutes ago, koolkarl said:

Why would they?

Because Trump is no more then a cancer on society. Hopefully anything the scumbag named will be replaced and renamed immediately after the ignorant dog is gone.