# Trump's arch will be a military weapons complex

> The president claims his new 250ft triumphal arch in DC will store ammunition and house sniper facilities.
- Title: Trump's arch will be a military weapons complex · the Guardian
- Summary: The president claims his new 250ft triumphal arch in DC will store ammunition and house sniper facilities. Trump is reframing his controversial DC monument…
- Keywords: donald trump, triumphal arch, washington dc, military complex, monument construction, truth social, weapons storage, us military, historic preservation, trump administration, news, world
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/20/trump-triumphal-arch-military-complex
- Published: 2026-09-20T13:26:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: donald trump, triumphal arch, washington dc, military complex, monument construction, truth social, weapons storage, us military, historic preservation, trump administration, news, world
## Trump unveils arch military plan
The president posted on Truth Social that his 250ft triumphal arch will be a military complex with drone storage, ammunition facilities, and sniper stations on the roof and plaza.

> There will be no facility like this anywhere in the world.
## Military requested the project
Trump claimed the plan came at the strong request of the US military, which he says needs rapid access to large quantities of sniper ammunition storage.

> strong request of the US military
## Location threatens historic DC
The arch would sit near Memorial Bridge, potentially blocking sight lines to the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, prompting criticism from Democrats and the National Park Service.

> adverse effects to historic properties
## Part of broader legacy projects
The arch is one of several Trump construction projects in DC, including a White House ballroom and Lincoln Memorial pool refurbishment, all criticized as efforts to promote his legacy.
## Other projects face major obstacles
Trump's White House ballroom faced legal challenges until the Supreme Court approved it last month. He has threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if courts block adding his name to it.
## Construction begins this month
The groundbreaking for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is expected to start this month. The granite arch will be topped with three golden statues.

> by far the greatest triumphal arch in any of the world's top cities and capitals
## Key takeaway

Trump is reframing his controversial DC monument project as a military facility to justify its construction despite widespread criticism.