A controversial 250-foot triumphal arch slated for construction between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery secured key federal approval on Thursday. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) voted 8-4 to greenlight the final site and building plans after a nearly nine-hour hearing featuring public comments from members of Congress, veterans, architects, and local residents.
Planning Commission Vote and Design Details
The NCPC, which serves as the federal government's planning agency for the region, voted to advance the project following a recommendation from executive director Mark Paoletta. Paoletta praised the plan as celebrating 250 years of American independence and described it as the "grandest arch ever built by mankind."
According to filing documents, the structure will measure 166 feet tall on its own and be topped with three gilded figures—a gold, winged female figure flanked by a gold flying eagle on each side—bringing the total height to 250 feet. The monument will feature an observation deck and is anticipated to draw between 2,000 and 22,400 daily visitors. It will sit in the center of Memorial Circle across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.
Key Facts of the Monument Project
- Height: 250 feet total (166-foot structure plus gilded figures).
- Location: Memorial Circle, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
- Vote Result: 8-4 approval by the National Capital Planning Commission.
- Estimated Timeline: Expected to take three years to build.
- Projected Visitors: 2,000 to 22,400 visitors per day.
- Public Feedback: The commission received over 1,300 public comments, with the majority opposing the project.
Opposition and Legal Challenges
The project faces significant pushback from lawmakers, veterans, and local governments. California Rep. Jared Huffman, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, told the commission that the arch is "illegal" and would disrupt the solemn connection between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Marine veteran Jimi Shaughnessy testified that a dominating arch with a carnival-like atmosphere would be insulting to military families.
Meanwhile, a federal judge is weighing whether to temporarily halt construction. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is reviewing lawsuits filed by a group of Vietnam War veterans—including plaintiffs Michael Lemmon and Shaun Byrnes—alongside separate legal actions brought by the Commonwealth of Virginia and Washington, D.C. The plaintiffs argue the Trump administration lacks congressional authorization and is bypassing required procedures.
Construction Timeline and Aviation Review
While the NCPC has granted its approval, the exact start date for construction remains uncertain. The Federal Aviation Administration has determined the structure poses no hazard to air navigation, provided specific safety lighting and floodlighting conditions are met. Although President Donald Trump stated in September that the arch would feature a top-grade military complex housing drones and sniper ammunition, those details were absent from the official NCPC documents, and Justice Department lawyers declined to provide further information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the Trump arch be located?
The arch is set to be constructed in the center of Memorial Circle across the Potomac River, situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
How tall will the triumphal arch be?
The main structure will be 166 feet tall, and with the addition of three gilded figures on top, the total height will reach 250 feet.
Who voted to approve the monument plans?
The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 to approve the final site and building plans after nearly nine hours of public comments.