Full Breakdown
Trump’s Proposed “Triumphal Arch” Near Arlington Sparks Opposition
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Proposed Structure and Site
The administration plans to build a 250-foot (72 m) “Triumphal Arch” just outside Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, roughly 4 mi (6 km) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The design calls for the arch to double as a complex for storing military equipment, with the ability to deploy snipers and drones from its roof and plaza. The site is adjacent to 42 historic properties that could be affected by the project.
Official Agency Assessments
The Federal Aviation Administration ruled last week that the massive structure would not pose a risk to flights arriving at or departing from the nearby airport. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, led by Trump appointees, announced it was ending required consultations with local officials over potential impacts on the historic properties. The council noted that the National Park Service had proposed mitigation measures, but local historic preservation officers raised concerns about the purpose and need of the arch and questioned whether the service had adequately identified possible harms. The council expects to submit a final report on the process early next month.
Lawmaker Opposition
“The American people cannot afford to stand witness to Trump's risky plan to place a 250-foot (72m) structure along a busy approach path, especially if he follows through on plans to station snipers on the arch and fly drones,” — Duckworth
Virginia Congressman Don Beyer, who is leading congressional opposition, reported that excavation work had already begun on the site. “The Administration appears to be pushing ahead with activity at the site even while it still has not done the basic work necessary to understand the consequences of this project,” — Virginia Congressman Don Beyer
Design Details
A rendering released earlier this year shows a golden, winged Lady Liberty atop the arch, flanked by two gold eagles, with the phrases “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” inscribed in gold on either side of the structure.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The American people cannot afford to stand witness to Trump's risky plan to place a 250-foot (72m) structure along a busy approach path, especially if he follows through on plans to station snipers on the arch and fly drones,” — Duckworth
- “The Administration appears to be pushing ahead with activity at the site even while it still has not done the basic work necessary to understand the consequences of this project,” — Virginia Congressman Don Beyer