The National Park Service (NPS) released a report on August 28, 2026, supporting President Donald Trump’s proposed arch while acknowledging potential adverse effects on nearby memorials and landmarks. The proposed 250-foot arch is planned for Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. The NPS report, which is 133 pages long, indicates that the construction could disturb dozens of historic sites, including the Arlington Memorial Bridge, the cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, and the National Mall.
The report states that six out of 31 National Historic Landmarks in the area, including the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon, may be adversely affected, primarily through altered sightlines and nighttime lighting plans. The NPS emphasized the historical significance of the location, deeming it appropriate for the arch, and rejected alternatives to the site.
The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design in May 2026, following changes to the panel made by Trump. The report may influence ongoing legal challenges regarding the arch, including a lawsuit filed by a group of veterans in February 2026 concerning potential sightline obstruction of Arlington National Cemetery. Additionally, the NPS compiled over 100,000 public comments collected in June and July, with many expressing concerns about sightline obstruction, project costs, environmental impacts, and aesthetics. Some comments suggested that the design resembles European triumphal arches and could undermine the symbolism of the Lincoln Memorial and its surroundings.