U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for building a 250-foot arch are progressing, as a federal advisory council has terminated discussions regarding the potential impacts of the structure on nearby historic sites. The council, which is led by Trump appointees, announced on Thursday that it was concluding required consultations, citing that historic preservation officers from Washington and Virginia did not approve harm-mitigation plans. Construction was anticipated to begin this month, despite growing opposition.
On Friday, Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth criticized the plans to use the arch for defense purposes, calling it 'foolhardy' and labeling it 'yet another Trump vanity project.' The proposed 'Triumphal Arch' is intended to serve as a military equipment storage complex, with features for deploying snipers and drones from its roof and plaza. In a letter to the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Duckworth urged them to reject the plan and prioritize airspace safety.
The arch is to be constructed near Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, approximately 4 miles (6 km) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, where a midair crash occurred in 2025. Duckworth expressed concern over the risks associated with placing the structure along a busy approach path. However, the FAA ruled last week that the arch would not pose a risk to airport operations.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation announced it was ending consultations with local officials regarding the arch's effects on 42 historic properties in the vicinity. The council noted that the National Park Service had proposed a harm-mitigation plan, but local preservation officers raised concerns about the project's purpose and whether potential harms had been sufficiently identified and addressed.
Federal and state officials are not required to reach an agreement on harm-mitigation plans, and consultations can be terminated if consensus is not achieved. The council plans to submit a final report on the process early next month.
Democratic Virginia Congressman Don Beyer reported that excavation work at the arch's site has already commenced. Beyer, who is opposing the project, stated that he observed workers conducting archaeological assessments on Thursday, which he found troubling due to the administration's obligation to provide 48 hours' notice before beginning work. He expressed concern that the administration is advancing the project without fully understanding its implications.
The design rendering from earlier this year features 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.