President Trump declared that his Triumphal Arch, which has yet to undergo construction, will address national security concerns.
“At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch, planned since the Civil War Era many years ago, at the Receptive Circle adjoining the Arlington Memorial Bridge, into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch, to house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas, and additionally have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage,” he wrote on Truth Social on Sunday. His post went on to note that Washington, D.C., is the only capital city without such an arch.
A recent National Park Service review claimed that President Trump’s proposed arch on Arlington Memorial Bridge would adversely impact approximately 37 historic sites across Washington, D.C., and its surrounding suburbs. Designs for the structure, however, were approved in May.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said this month that the agency was preparing to begin excavations on the site. “This will be one of the Great Pieces of American Architecture, honoring the history and significance of Arlington Cemetery and befitting the most powerful Capital in the World,” he wrote on X.
“Despite Congress’s intent, the site became and remains today a barren traffic circle lacking any monumental treatment and significant historic value,” he added. “In fact, the passage extending from Arlington Memorial Bridge to Arlington National Cemetery was meant to serve as an Avenue of Heroes.”
