President Donald Trump announced the transformation of his planned triumphal arch near the Arlington Memorial Bridge into a military complex. The structure, intended to resemble a monument, will have capabilities to house drones, deploy snipers, and store ammunition.
Trump shared on Truth Social that the modification comes at the request of the United States Military for national security reasons. The Triumphal Arch, originally designed as a monument, will now incorporate top-grade military functionalities.
The arch, inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, is expected to stand 250 feet tall with three golden statues. Its design will include areas for snipers and the capacity to rapidly deploy a significant number of drones. Trump emphasized the uniqueness of this facility.
The monument aims to welcome visitors crossing the Memorial Bridge into Washington, D.C. The structure will feature granite cladding and three golden statues, enhancing its grandeur.
The proposed project has sparked criticism from preservationists, lawmakers, and veterans. Concerns have surfaced regarding potential impacts on views of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Critics have questioned whether the monument requires congressional approval under federal law. While the National Capital Planning Commission has approved the site and preliminary plans, the project still awaits further review. Construction was initially expected to start this month.
This arch is part of several major construction projects Trump has undertaken in Washington. Notably, construction has begun on a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom designed to accommodate about 650 guests. The ballroom, costing an estimated $200 million, is funded by Trump and private donors.
Trump’s renovation efforts extend to the White House interior, with gold accents added to the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. Other updates include the “walk of fame” lined with presidential portraits, stone pavers in the Rose Garden lawn, and 88-foot flagpoles installed.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for further comment on these projects.
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