{
  "id": 9652862,
  "title": "Senate Democrats put Trump's D.C. makeover on notice",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/senate-democrats-put-trumps-d-c-makeover-on-notice",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-24T23:41:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Axios",
    "slug": "axios",
    "url": "https://www.axios.com/2026/09/24/democrats-trump-kennedy-center-triumphal-arch"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) is set to introduce two new resolutions in the Senate next week to prevent President Trump from demolishing the Kennedy Center or constructing his proposed arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Senate Democrats are signaling their intention to employ every legislative avenue, including appropriations, to obstruct Trump's plans to modify memorials within the District of Columbia.\n\nMerkley will introduce his bills upon the Senate's return next week, seeking unanimous consent to consider them upon the earliest available opportunity. However, the procedural challenge is significant, as the Senate's final appropriations decisions usually occur at the year's end, increasing the likelihood of individual votes on Merkley's proposals.\n\nA key ally of Merkley in this endeavor is Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who co-sponsors the resolution aimed at safeguarding the Kennedy Center. Both senators serve on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.\n\nIn the past, Republicans demonstrated flexibility when faced with Democratic pressure over funding for Trump's East Wing ballroom. Initially, Senate Republicans had proposed $1 billion for the Secret Service's security features, but ultimately removed the language when they realized they lacked the necessary votes.\n\nTrump has expressed that his proposed arch would function as a dual-use facility, incorporating snipers, drones, and ammunition. When he temporarily closed the Kennedy Center for renovations, he described it as \"tired, broken, and dilapidated\" and deemed it in need of an upgrade. Merkley's resolution to protect the Kennedy Center is designed to encompass any presidential memorial designated by Congress, extending its protection to memorials like the Lincoln and Jefferson monuments.\n\nThe Kennedy Center measure written by Merkley is broad, prohibiting the demolition of any presidential memorial designated by Congress, thereby extending its safeguards to the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. A specific measure targeting Trump's planned arch is also in place, prohibiting the use of federal funds for the planning and construction of any structure or monument at Memorial Circle at Columbia Island/Lady Bird Johnson Park.\n\nThus far, Democrats and conservative groups have primarily relied on the courts to impede Trump's plans for the Kennedy Center. Last week, a federal judge directed Trump officials to furnish 30 days of written notice prior to any modifications to the Kennedy Center, including but not limited to demolition. Trump's plans for the 250-foot arch are also subject to legal challenges, as a veterans-led coalition seeks to impede construction, arguing that the project necessitates congressional authorization.",
  "summary": "Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) plans to force a Senate vote next week on two new resolutions aimed at preventing President Trump from demolishing the Kennedy Center or building his proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Why it matters: Senate Democrats are putting Republicans on notice that they're prepared to use every available legislative means, including the appropriations…",
  "key_points": [
    "Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) to introduce resolutions preventing Trump's D.C. modifications.",
    "Murkowski co-sponsors resolution to protect Kennedy Center.",
    "Democrats explore legislative avenues, including appropriations, to obstruct Trump's plans."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Senate Democrats' move to block Trump's D.C. makeover plans signals a significant challenge to the president's authority over memorials and cultural institutions in the nation's capital.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}