President Donald Trump has announced a significant alteration to the plans for his proposed "Arc de Trump" monument in Washington D.C., stating it will now function as a military complex.
According to Trump's social media post on Truth Social, the arch, intended to be located near the Arlington Memorial Bridge, will be adapted to store drones and ammunition for rapid deployment. The design also includes housing sniper teams on its roof and plaza areas.
"There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World," Trump stated, asserting that Washington D.C. will finally have a triumphal arch, which he described as the greatest one globally.
Previously, renderings depicted a 250-foot tall structure. The design for the arch was initially proposed by Trump during his second term. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum had shared images of the gilded memorial arch earlier in September, calling it "one of the Great Pieces of American Architecture."
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously raised concerns about flight safety, requiring an "eternal flame" and floodlight projectors to make the arch noticeable to pilots. The FAA shared these requirements with The Hill.
The project has faced opposition, including a lawsuit filed by veterans and an architectural historian. Concerns cited include the administration's alleged failure to secure congressional approval for building on federal land and the monument's proximity to Arlington National Cemetery.
This initiative follows a pattern where Trump has cited security concerns to justify architectural projects. Elements of his White House Ballroom project have reportedly been funded through the Secret Service budget, despite ongoing legal challenges. A recent reconciliation package included $1 billion for "security adjustments and upgrades" related to the East Wing Modernization Project, which encompasses above-ground and below-ground security features.