How Militarizing the Triumphal Arch Could Backfire for Trump
Adding drones and snipers to a planned monument may not work the way the president hopes.
Donald Trump’s plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington D.C. have evolved to include military infrastructure. Originally envisioned as a national monument, the arch would feature a café, gift shop, and observation deck. However, the Trump administration has now announced that the structure will house ammunition, drones, and snipers.
The National Park Service, which previously deemed the arch eligible for construction without congressional approval, now faces criticism for terminating the project's historic-preservation review, a move that could delay the completion of the arch. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has also ended the usual consultation process for the arch, which is not legally binding but typically ensures agencies consider the impact of their projects on historic properties.
This decision has raised concerns among preservationists and legal scholars, who argue that the arch's transformation into a military facility makes it fundamentally different from the original proposal, potentially necessitating a new Section 106 process.
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