Plans spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump to construct a grand arch are progressing, following the cessation of discussions by a federal advisory council regarding the structure’s potential impact on nearby historic sites. The council, consisting of Trump appointees, announced the termination of these consultations on Thursday, citing the refusal of historic preservation officers from Washington and Virginia to approve harm-mitigation strategies.
Controversy Surrounding the Arch
While construction was anticipated to begin this month, opposition to the project has been mounting. On Friday, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the proposal to use the arch for defense purposes, labeling it as “foolhardy” and describing it as “yet another Trump vanity project.” Earlier in the week, Trump had revealed that the “Triumphal Arch” would also function as a military equipment storage facility, with provisions for deploying snipers and drones from its roof and plaza.
In a letter addressed to the Pentagon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Duckworth urged a rejection of the plan, advocating instead for enhanced airspace safety measures. The arch is slated to be erected near Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, approximately four miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the site of a catastrophic 2025 midair collision between a military helicopter and a commercial aircraft.
Historic Preservation Concerns
Despite Duckworth’s objections, the FAA determined last week that the arch would not pose a threat to flights near the airport. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, led by Trump appointees, announced on Thursday that it was ending consultations with local authorities regarding the potential impact of the arch on 42 historic sites in the vicinity.
The council indicated that while the National Park Service had proposed a plan to mitigate potential damage to these sites, local preservation officers raised concerns about the purpose and necessity of the arch, questioning whether the service had sufficiently identified potential harms and planned adequate mitigation measures.
Construction and Legislative Opposition
Federal and state officials are not obliged to reach an agreement on harm-mitigation plans for a project, and these consultations can be terminated if a consensus cannot be achieved. The council plans to submit a final report on the process early next month.
Meanwhile, Democratic Congressman Don Beyer of Virginia reported that excavation work at the proposed site of the arch has already commenced. Beyer, who is leading congressional opposition to the project, noted that during a visit to the site on Thursday, he observed workers conducting archaeological assessments of the soil composition. This development is “deeply troubling,” Beyer stated, particularly as the administration is required to provide a 48-hour notice before commencing work.
A design rendering from earlier this year depicts the arch adorned with a golden, winged Lady Liberty at the top, flanked by two gold eagles, with the inscriptions “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” in gold on either side.
