From ABC News · ABC News · · 2m
Trump's 250-foot arch will damage Arlington landscape
The administration admits the triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery will harm the historic site, but says the damage cannot be avoided.
In brief
The administration admits the triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery will harm the historic site, but says the damage cannot be avoided. The Trump administration is moving forward with a controversial 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery despite acknowledging it will cause unavoidable damage to the…
250-foot arch planned near Arlington
The Trump administration is building a triumphal arch along the Potomac River at Arlington National Cemetery's entrance. The structure will be 250 feet tall with a gold Lady Liberty statue and four golden lions at its base.
Administration admits landscape damage
The National Park Service acknowledged the arch will cause adverse effects on the historic setting and views along the Potomac River. The document states these impacts cannot be fully avoided because the arch's location is central to the project.
“The adverse effects "cannot be fully avoided."”
Memorial Circle is highly sensitive site
The planned location sits within a historic and commemorative landscape listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The arch would affect the setting, design, feeling, views and spatial organization of this sacred area near Arlington.
Mitigation efforts include monitoring
The administration plans to control construction vibration and noise, conduct archaeological studies, and add new walkways, curbs, lighting and plantings to offset damage. These efforts are meant to minimize the arch's impact on the landscape.
Vietnam veterans sue to block project
A group of Vietnam War veterans filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the arch construction. They argue it would obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery and cannot be built without congressional approval under the Commemorative Works Act.
Project got initial approval in July
The National Capital Planning Commission, led by Trump appointees, approved the arch in July despite hours of public testimony against it. The project still needs final approval from the same commission.
Construction will run 20 hours daily
Documents show the arch construction will operate 20 hours per day for 2 to 3 years. This extended timeline and intensity will create significant disruption to the Arlington area during the building process.
Trump calls it greatest structure ever
Trump has called the arch a wonderful addition to Washington, saying on social media it will be the greatest and most beautiful structure anywhere in the world. The arch features the inscription One Nation Under God.
“"GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL" of structures "anywhere in the world."”
The bottom line
The Trump administration is moving forward with a controversial 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery despite acknowledging it will cause unavoidable damage to the historic landscape.
