Trump's military complex plan

President Trump says his planned arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery will become a top grade military complex for drones and snipers.

“President Trump says the massive arch he wants to build would become a "top grade military complex" able to host drones and snipers.”

Arch project details

The arch is 250 feet tall and proposed for a circle near the Memorial Bridge, a busy traffic area connecting Washington and northern Virginia.

Legal challenges

Three veterans and an architectural historian sued the project, arguing it needs congressional approval instead of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.

Trump's defense

Trump claims the arch will store ammunition and rapidly deploy drones and snipers on both the roof and plaza areas.

“Trump said he had agreed, at the "strong request" of the military, to convert the planned 250-foot-tall memorial arch 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.”

Project context

The arch is part of Trump's broader plan to leave a lasting imprint on Washington, including renovating the White House ballroom and Kennedy Center.