By Fatma Younis
The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday to approve construction of a 250-foot (72-meter) triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., a project championed by President Donald Trump. The commission's decision allows construction to begin as early as this week, though multiple lawsuits seek to block it.
Commission Vote and Design Details
The arch, dubbed the "Arc de Trump," is intended to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. Design renderings show a golden, winged Lady Liberty statue atop the structure, flanked by two gold eagles, with the phrases "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" inscribed in gold. The Trump administration says the arch would also serve as a complex to store military equipment, with capacity for snipers and drones.
Commission Chairman Mark Paoletta, a Trump appointee, said the structure fulfills a century-old plan for a monumental work on Columbia Island and would provide Arlington National Cemetery with a "monumental gateway."
Opposition and Protests
Opponents argue the arch would obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery, the resting place of thousands of U.S. service members. Veteran Anne Wright, who served 29 years in the military, told the BBC she would physically block construction, referencing the recent midterm elections as a rejection of Trump's policies. Fellow veteran John Pomeroy, whose parents are buried at Arlington, called the military storage idea "silly" and a potential terrorist target, and pledged to impede construction workers.
Legal and Congressional Hurdles
Democratic Congressman Jared Huffman told the commission the arch would disrupt sightlines to the Lincoln Memorial and resembles structures built by emperors as self-tributes. Lawsuits have been filed raising environmental, traffic, and safety concerns, and there is disagreement over whether congressional approval is required.
Other Trump Construction Projects
The arch is one of several Trump-proposed projects for the capital. They include a $400 million ballroom at the White House and renovation of a 106-year-old golf course, both facing legal challenges.
