By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Top officials from the Trump administration have told a federal court that a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., would function as a military installation to counter drone threats. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin filed arguments Wednesday describing the monument as a "generational national defense opportunity" that would house counter-sniper personnel and drone detection and disruption systems.
Court filings detail military plans
Hegseth wrote that the arch would serve a dual purpose as a national monument and a military utility for homeland defense. Mullin argued the administration needs a centralized, elevated infrastructure node at a key geographic location for drone detection and mitigation. Construction could begin as early as November 5, with above-ground work starting in May 2027 and completion not expected until 2030, according to the Justice Department.
Veterans lawsuit challenges project
Vietnam War veterans Jon Gundersen, Michael Lemmon, and Shaun Byrnes are suing to stop the project, arguing the arch at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery would dishonor veterans and violate the Height of Buildings Act, which limits structures to 130 feet. The National Park Service acknowledged in August that the arch would create adverse effects on historic sites, but the administration plans to proceed regardless.
Administration pushes forward despite objections
After terminating a federally mandated public review process, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation said the government is moving forward with construction, though no submitted plans align with the president's vision for military features. Newly released site maps and renderings from the Department of Interior do not include details about the proposed military components.
Judge to hear arguments Friday
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is set to hear arguments on whether to stall construction. Government lawyers contend that national security benefits outweigh the plaintiffs' aesthetic interests. Veterans groups and Democrats have organized protests and messaging campaigns opposing the project, with family members of those buried at Arlington expressing outrage.
