Trump Officials Target Nov. 5 Approval for 250-Foot Arch as Lawsuits Challenge Arlington Site
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 9
Trump Officials Target Nov. 5 Approval for 250-Foot Arch as Lawsuits Challenge Arlington Site
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 9
Summary
Nov. 5 is the date Trump officials now expect to bring the planned 250-foot triumphal arch to the National Capital Planning Commission for final approval, according to remarks described by two people at a preservation meeting.
Tammy Stidham of the National Park Service said the filing depends on completing reviews under a 60-year-old historic-preservation law, but also said the administration would not reconsider the arch’s location, height or design.
Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery remains the flashpoint: critics say construction there could disrupt military burials, and three veterans plus a preservationist are suing to block work until reviews are finished and Congress approves the project.
The timing drew added scrutiny after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said excavation would begin within two weeks; administration lawyers later told a court any near-term activity would be information gathering, not construction, and Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered 48 hours' notice before most site activity.
VoteVets this week launched a new campaign urging veterans to oppose the project, while the commission is widely expected to approve it after earlier backing Trump’s White House ballroom despite public opposition.