Trump says planned arch would be military complex for drones and snipers

President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the colossal arch he intends to construct between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery will be converted into a "top grade military complex," capable of accommodating drones, snipers, and large quantities of ammunition. This development underscores Trump's consistent assertion that his initiatives to enhance the White House and the city serve dual purposes, including safeguarding national security.

Trump has dubbed the newly built White House ballroom a "military complex," arguing its establishment is essential for maintaining the nation's defense. The Pentagon confirmed they possess no additional information beyond Trump's remarks. The architectural project also faces legal hurdles. Despite receiving initial approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members are all appointed by Trump, a coalition comprising three veterans and an architectural historian has filed a lawsuit, contending that the project necessitates congressional endorsement.

In a social media post, Trump indicated he had conceded, upon the "strong request" of the military, to transform the planned 250-foot-tall (76-meter) memorial arch into a "top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch," equipped to rapidly deploy numerous drones, employ snipers from both the roof and plaza, and securely store substantial quantities of sniper ammunition.

The arch is intended for placement adjacent to the Memorial Bridge, a busy traffic corridor linking the nation's capital with northern Virginia. The project is among several undertaken by the Republican president to etch his legacy in Washington, D.C. Others include renaming and renovating the Kennedy Center, refurbishing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and rebuilding a golf course in East Potomac Park, which could substantially limit public access to running and cycling paths.

Groundbreaking for the arch was initially scheduled for this month but has yet to secure final approval from the National Capital Area Planning Commission, which approved the site and initial plans during its July meeting. The commission is slated to revisit the issue later in the fall. This report was originally published on Fortune.com.