Arc de Triomphe

France held its largest-ever Bastille Day military parade, showcasing military power and unity with allies, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a guest. The event featured thousands of troops, foreign leaders, and military displays on July 14, 2026.

France celebrated Bastille Day with a military parade on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on July 14, 2026. The event marked President Macron's last Bastille Day parade and centered on Ukraine. Troops prepared for the parade near the Arc de Triomphe.

A shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday has intensified scrutiny of President Trump's proposal to build a secure ballroom at the White House, which he claims would enhance safety. The incident, which injured a Secret Service agent, has drawn attention to legal challenges against the $250 million project, criticized for bypassing required approvals. Trump and allies argue the ballroom, funded by private donors, is a necessary security upgrade, while critics question its cost and preservation concerns.

The Commission of Fine Arts, composed of Trump appointees, approved the proposed Trump victory arch, which resembles the Paris Arc de Triomphe but is nearly 100 feet taller. The decision aligns with Trump's vision for a prominent monument.