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In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that he agreed to convert the arch into a military complex at the strong request of the United States military and for national security purposes. “At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch, planned since the Civil War Era many years ago, at the Receptive Circle adjoining the Arlington Memorial Bridge, into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch, to house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas, and additionally have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage,” he wrote. The president added that there will be no facility like this anywhere in the world.
The 250-foot arch is planned for Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington, according to a Washington Post report on the site of the project. The structure is part of initiatives to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A New York Times analysis noted that the arch would be taller than nearly every other monumental arch in the United States and the world.
The design features granite cladding with a golden winged Lady Liberty statue flanked by two gold eagles on top, the BBC reported. Phrases including “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” are inscribed in gold on the sides of the structure. Trump claimed that Washington is the only one among 59 top cities and capitals without a triumphal arch, though he provided no list of the cities in question.
Veterans groups, historic preservationists and others are seeking to halt construction, The Washington Post reported. An August National Park Service assessment found that the project would have adverse effects on many nearby monuments and landmarks. Opponents have filed lawsuits arguing the arch would ruin the skyline of Arlington National Cemetery.
This latest framing echoes Trump’s approach to other building projects, including a proposed White House ballroom that he has similarly described as incorporating military components, according to a CNN account. The president did not provide details on construction plans for the military features or whether additional approvals would be required. Public planning documents for the arch do not currently mention drones, sniper positions or ammunition storage, a Newsweek report indicated.
The project is one of several Trump has pursued to leave a lasting mark on the nation’s capital, ranging from renovations at the Kennedy Center to changes at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, Scripps News reported. No cost estimates for the arch have been released by the administration. The development follows preliminary approval from the Commission of Fine Arts earlier this year.
