Trump's 250-foot arch wins approval from committee stacked with allies

The National Capital Planning Commission has voted to approve President Trump's plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch, situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The eight-member commission, consisting primarily of Trump allies, voted 8-4 in favor of the project after hearing nearly nine hours of public comments from members of Congress, veterans, architects, and local residents.

The arch, which stands 166 feet tall and is topped with three gilded figures, could commence construction as early as Thursday, though a legal challenge could delay the process. The structure is expected to attract between 2,000 and 22,400 visitors per day and is projected to take three years to build. The decision comes amid legal battles from various plaintiffs, including Vietnam War veterans and representatives from Virginia and Washington, D.C., who argue that the administration lacks congressional authorization and is not complying with required procedures for the monument's construction.