Donald Trump Agrees To Convert Washington Triumphal Arch Near Arlington National Cemetery Into Military Complex

President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he has agreed to convert plans for a massive triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington into a “top grade Military Complex,” equipped to “house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas.”

““At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert”

CNN

Trump said the move came “At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes,” and he added that the facility would “house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones” and “additionally have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage.”

An-Nahar

The proposed arch is described as a 250-foot (76-meter) structure, with CBS News saying it is planned to be clad in granite and topped with three golden statues and an observation deck.

Reuters said the Federal Aviation Administration told Trump’s team last week that the 250-foot (76-meter) arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft but would be required to have an “eternal flame” on top.R

CNN reported that the new justification came as the Trump administration is preparing to break ground at the arch site amid ongoing litigation.

The plan drew pushback tied to the arch’s height and location, with CBS News saying concerns include that the monument’s height could interfere with sightlines between major D.C. monuments and Arlington National Cemetery and its proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport.

CNN said Interior Secretary Doug Burgum criticized the plan on September 4 for reasons including its location and potential to obstruct the view of other Washington monuments.

CBS News

In a Truth Social post, Trump insisted, “There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World,” while the Washington Post’s page of reader comments described the proposal as “absurd, insane, and a misuse of resources.”

USA Today reported that Rep. Don Beyer, D-Virginia, called the project “illegal and narcissistic,” and he said it would “significantly increase traffic problems in the area.”

USA Today also said Beyer criticized Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and argued the administration was “rushing this towering monument to Trump’s vanity because they believe Republicans will get crushed in November.”

Reuters said veterans have sued to block the arch, arguing it would destroy the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, while aviation experts raised safety concerns due to its proximity to Reagan Washington National Airport.R

“veterans have sued to block the arch, arguing it would destroy the historic sightline”

Reuters

The Times of India reported that the FAA said the arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft but would be required to have an “eternal flame” on top, and it said the FAA determination requires a light on top and floodlight projectors directed at the arch to make it visible to pilots.T

The Times of India also said the FAA determination can be reviewed if a petition is filed by October 18, and it reported that on September 4 a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to provide 48 hours' notice before carrying out any activity at the arch site, except work to identify underground cultural artefacts.T

USA Today said the arch is part of a pending lawsuit and that a U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the National Park Service to provide two weeks' notice before “commencement of construction, or demolition in preparation for construction, of an arch on Memorial Circle.”

In the AP account, WV News said the arch is proposed for “a circle adjacent to the Memorial Bridge” and framed it as one more example of Trump insisting that his initiatives to reshape Washington also serve a defensive purpose.