Trump’s Proposed 250-Foot Triumphal Arch Near Arlington Faces Legal Hurdles

The Interior Department has submitted detailed renderings of President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, revealing a structure that would stand roughly 250 feet tall—more than twice the height of the 99-foot Lincoln Memorial across the Potomac River. The arch, designed by Harrison Design, would be the tallest triumphal arch in the world, surpassing Mexico City’s Plaza de la República by about 30 feet.

The proposed site is a traffic circle on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, technically within the District of Columbia boundaries, located between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The design features inscriptions such as “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice For All” on either side of the arch. Atop the structure would be a gold-colored winged Lady Liberty flanked by two 24-foot eagles, with four golden lion statues positioned around the base.

President Trump has championed the project, describing it as a tribute to the nation’s 250th anniversary and stating in a Truth Social post that the plans were “officially filed” with the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) for review. “This will be a wonderful addition to the Washington D.C. area for all Americans to enjoy for many decades to come!” Trump wrote. The CFA, a panel composed entirely of Trump appointees, is scheduled to hear a presentation about the arch on April 16.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the arch “will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike, serving as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250 year history so we can enjoy our freedoms today.” He added, “President Trump will continue to honor our veterans and give the greatest Nation on earth — America — the glory it deserves.”

Funding for the arch is included in the National Endowment for the Humanities’ spending plan, with $2 million in special initiative funds and $13 million in matching funds reserved for the project, according to documents approved by the Office of Management and Budget in September.

However, the project has encountered legal challenges. Veterans and historians filed a lawsuit in February, arguing that congressional approval is required for construction and expressing concerns about increased traffic and the loss of the unobstructed view between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial—a view preserved for over a century to symbolize national reunification after the Civil War. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered the National Park Service to provide 14 days’ notice before beginning construction and to publish authorization notices on the agency’s planning and public comment website.

An attorney representing the plaintiffs, Nick Sansone of Public Citizen Litigation Group, stated, “Construction of a commemorative arch in Memorial Circle without congressional authorization is unlawful. Because Congress has not authorized the President’s project, consideration of design specifics is, at best, premature.” He also noted that the proposed design “would obstruct the view between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial that has intentionally been preserved for over a century.”

Concerns have also been raised about the arch’s height and location near Washington Reagan National Airport. The arch’s site lies along a flight path used by the airport, with one approach running just east of Columbia Island, only a few hundred feet from the proposed arch location.

This arch is among several architectural projects associated with Trump’s efforts to leave a lasting imprint on Washington landmarks. Last year, he announced plans to demolish the White House’s East Wing to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom funded by $400 million in private donations, including from Comcast Corp. Additionally, Trump’s name was added to the U.S. Institute of Peace and the Kennedy Center, the latter sparking a lawsuit over the renaming process. The Kennedy Center is set to close for two years starting in July for a $250 million renovation sought by Trump.