US says it will break ground soon on Trump’s arch

The US has announced that construction will commence soon on President Donald Trump's proposed Triumph Arch, according to an official statement released Thursday. This announcement signals a swift progression on a project that has sparked controversy across Washington D.C. The planned structure, a 250-foot (76m) white arch adorned with large golden statues of an angel and eagles, is part of Trump's efforts to leave his personal legacy on the capital city.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum informed via a post on social media platform X that the excavation for the Great Triumphal Arch would commence within the next two weeks. This arch will be situated in a grassy circle between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Burgum expressed optimism, asserting that the arch would become one of the Great Pieces of American Architecture, honoring the historical significance of Arlington Cemetery and fitting the stature of the most powerful capital in the world.

The chosen location, nestled in the middle of a circular traffic intersection on an island in the Potomac River, has generated considerable debate. This is primarily due to the Trump administration's decision not to seek congressional input on such a significant modification to the U.S. capital. Given the arch's immense size, it would disrupt the visual connection between the iconic Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, which is the final resting place for thousands of American service members.

Since his return to office in January 2025, Trump has embarked on a series of renovation initiatives, several of which have resulted in legal conflicts. Among these projects is a massive ballroom being constructed at the White House, necessitating the demolition of a section of the presidential mansion. Another project involves the meticulous renovation of the Reflecting Pool, a 2,028-foot rectangular water basin on the National Mall.

At one point, Trump attempted to brand the walls of the Kennedy Center, the cultural and arts institute named after former President John F Kennedy, but a judge later ordered his name removed. Despite this, the facade remains partially obscured by a tarp, and the venue's board has opted to incorporate his name in an alternative manner.