Trump to Break Ground on “Triumphal Arch” Before Federal Approval
The announcement follows a series of recent rollbacks on federal protections of historically significant sites.
President Donald Trump is set to commence excavation for his controversial "Great Triumphal Arch" within the next two weeks, despite the project not yet receiving federal approval, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced via X on Thursday, September 3. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), responsible for reviewing design proposals in Washington, D.C., had initially granted Trump's project a preliminary approval on July 9, but subsequently issued a list of issues the president must resolve before attaining the committee's final endorsement.
The primary concern for the NCPC is the monument's height, which could exceed the 130-foot limit set by the 1910 Height of Buildings Act and potentially obstruct the views of numerous historical landmarks.
Burgum stated that the Great Triumphal Arch, to be constructed of white granite, will serve as a grand tribute to Arlington Cemetery's historical significance and the power of the nation's capital. The structure will feature a "Military Observation Deck" and be topped with two gold eagles and a golden winged figure. Although the monument is intended to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, Trump has also positioned it as a personal monument, dubbing it the "Arc de Trump."
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