Trump wants to use Washington arch as military complex for drones and snipers
US President Donald Trump said the planned 76-metre arch near Washington would double as a military complex with drones and snipers, though he gave no specific threat.
US President Donald Trump announced on September 20 that the triumphal arch he plans to build near Washington would serve as a military complex, housing drones and snipers. The announcement came at the military's request and echoed his justification for a $400 million ballroom complex near the White House. Trump did not identify specific threats.
The arch is part of a broader effort to renovate Washington landmarks, drawing criticism from preservationists. Trump claimed the military requested the arch's transformation, and a US military official confirmed the Defense Department had no additional information. A retired Marine colonel argued the military rationale for the arch was unclear, suggesting it aimed to counter opposition to the monument.
Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the administration to notify the public 48 hours before any activity at the site, amid legal challenges and opposition from veterans. Aviation experts raised safety concerns, and a congressman suggested the move was intended to bolster the administration's legal position.
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