ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE — En route to Florida on Saturday evening, President Donald Trump held an expansive informal press gaggle, touching on everything from monumental shifts in the D.C. skyline to a “more relaxed” but still firm stance on immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Speaking to reporters in the conference room of Air Force One, the President appeared energized, juggling topics of domestic crime, international energy policy, and his latest architectural ambitions for the nation’s capital.
The “Independence Arch” for 2026
The centerpiece of the evening’s remarks was the President’s vision for a massive triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this coming July. Trump confirmed reports that he favors a height of 250 feet—one foot for every year of American independence.
“It’s going to be beautiful, maybe the most beautiful monument in the world,” the President said, comparing it to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris but noting his version would “blow it away.” The proposed site near the Arlington Memorial Bridge has drawn criticism from preservationists who fear it will dwarf the Lincoln Memorial, but Trump dismissed these concerns. “Washington is a great city, but it’s missing a triumphal arch. We’re going to give it the glory it deserves,” he added, mentioning that the project is a top priority for the Domestic Policy Council.
Oil, Cuba, and the “Donroe Doctrine”
Turning to foreign policy, the President doubled down on his recent Executive Order declaring a national emergency regarding Cuba. He warned that any nation providing oil to the island would face steep U.S. tariffs. This “oil chokepoint” strategy follows the recent U.S. operations in Venezuela, which have already severed Havana’s primary energy lifeline.
“Cuba is a failing nation, and it’s a threat because it hosts our adversaries,” Trump stated, referring to ties with Russia and Iran. He explicitly mentioned that countries like Mexico, which have historically supported Cuba, must choose between their “ideological solidarity” and their trade relationship with the United States. Analysts have dubbed this aggressive regional stance the “Donroe Doctrine,” a 21st-century expansion of the Monroe Doctrine.
Tensions and “De-escalation” in Minnesota
The President also addressed the ongoing federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota, which has seen violent clashes and two fatal shootings involving federal agents in recent weeks. Trump signaled a slight shift in tone, suggesting a “more relaxed” approach now that thousands of “stone-cold criminals” have supposedly been removed.
“We’ve done the hard work in Minneapolis,” Trump told the gaggle. “The crime rate is going down because we took the bad ones out. I spoke with Governor Walz and Mayor Frey—we’re on a similar wavelength now.” Despite this conciliatory rhetoric, the President didn’t miss a chance to jab at Representative Ilhan Omar, dismissing a recent assault on her as a “staged” event without providing evidence. He indicated that while some federal agents may begin to leave the Twin Cities, the administration has an “unlimited appetite” for fixing crime in other Democrat-run cities.
Crime, Energy, and the Road Ahead
As the plane descended toward Palm Beach, the President touched on several other key issues:
- Domestic Crime: Trump touted the success of “elite squads” of ICE and Border Patrol in cities like Chicago and Memphis, claiming that federal intervention is the only cure for rising urban crime.
- Oil and Energy: Beyond the Cuba sanctions, the President emphasized his “drill, baby, drill” mantra, noting that American energy dominance is the primary tool for his administration’s leverage over both allies and enemies.
- The Arch Funding: When asked about the cost of the Independence Arch, Trump suggested it would be funded in part by leftover donations from a White House ballroom project and private contributions.
The gaggle concluded as the President prepared for a series of meetings at Mar-a-Lago, where he is expected to further refine the “Independence Arch” designs and monitor the first wave of tariffs resulting from the Cuba oil order.
Mainstream News Sources and Links
- The Washington Post: Trump wants to build 250ft Washington DC arch that dwarfs Lincoln Memorial
- Fox News: White House touts Trump’s ‘bold vision’ for Independence Arch
- The Guardian: Trump aims to ‘top’ Paris with 250ft triumphal arch in DC
- ABC News: Trump hints at ‘relaxed’ federal tactics in Minnesota
- PBS NewsHour: Trump threatens tariffs on nations selling oil to Cuba
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