The Trump administration announced that excavation for a proposed towering, gilded arch in Washington, D.C., will begin within the next two weeks. The project, intended to be one of several lasting imprints by the administration on the capital, faces a lawsuit and criticism regarding its potential disruption of historic sightlines.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described the planned structure as "one of the Great Pieces of American Architecture" on X, formerly Twitter. He posted artistic renderings of the 250-foot-tall memorial arch, which is slated for Memorial Circle on Columbia Island, situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The mockups depict a white arch with gold detailing, inscribed with "ONE NATION UNDER GOD," and topped with a winged figure resembling Lady Liberty holding a torch, alongside gold eagles.
A National Park Service report acknowledged the project but indicated that it would adversely affect sightlines between numerous iconic landmarks, thereby diminishing the historical significance of nearby sites. Washington's monuments and buildings are often designed to commemorate historical events and create symbolic connections through carefully planned sightlines.
Legal action has been initiated by three veterans and an architectural historian. Nicolas Sansone, an attorney with Public Citizen Litigation Group representing the plaintiffs, stated that "congressional authorization is necessary and lacking for this project." The group argues that construction should not proceed and seeks court intervention.
Secretary Burgum defended the arch's construction, asserting that the concept has been considered for over a century, citing past congressional discussions and attempts to erect a monument at the site. He argued that the location is currently an undeveloped traffic circle with no monumental treatment or significant historical value. Burgum also noted that while over 70 cities globally feature prominent arches, the U.S. would soon have "the most spectacular and beautiful arch of them all."
The Department of Justice filed a document on Thursday arguing for the dismissal of the lawsuit, which remains ongoing.