Flight Attendants Union Raises Safety Concerns Over Trump's Proposed Washington Arch

The union representing thousands of flight attendants has expressed safety concerns regarding President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch, slated for construction near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Flight Attendants Association-CWA President Sara Nelson stated that the 250-foot arch exacerbates existing safety issues at the airport, some of which have been unaddressed since a fatal midair collision over the Potomac River in January 2025 that claimed 67 lives. Nelson also voiced opposition to Trump's plan to transform the arch into a military complex capable of housing drones, snipers, and ammunition.

"DCA is already stretched to its limit, we do not need an obstacle taking up space in our flight path," Nelson said. "Nor should commercial aviation have to dodge military drones, missiles or snipers while attempting to take off or land at Washington National Airport. Safety first always."

Nelson's statement on behalf of the union, which represents 55,000 flight attendants across 20 airlines, joins criticism from veterans' groups and members of Congress. Concerns have also been raised about the memorial's potential to disrupt historic and symbolic sightlines within Washington, D.C.

While the arch has received preliminary approval from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, a group of veterans and an architectural historian have filed a lawsuit arguing that congressional approval is required for the project.

Earlier this month, Trump announced his agreement, at the military's behest, to convert the memorial arch into a "top grade Military Complex." The Federal Aviation Administration had previously stated that the arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft but would require markings and lighting to ensure visibility for pilots.

A National Park Service assessment indicated that the arch could diminish the historical significance of numerous nearby sites, though the project was approved despite this finding. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced last month that excavation work at the proposed site in Memorial Circle was expected to begin within weeks. The Interior Department has not yet provided an update on this work.

The arch is part of a broader initiative by Trump to reshape areas around Washington, which includes renovations to a public golf course and proposals to demolish the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.