President Donald Trump announced Sunday that his proposed Triumphal Arch in Washington D.C. would be converted into a military complex, a move that critics are calling "beyond parody" and a "scam" designed to circumvent legal challenges.
Trump stated in a Truth Social post that he agreed to transform the 250-foot structure into a "top grade" military facility for national security purposes, citing a "strong request" from the U.S. military. He elaborated that the arch would house drones, store ammunition, and feature snipers on its roof and in its plaza.
The arch, planned for a traffic circle near Arlington National Cemetery, has faced opposition, including a lawsuit filed by Vietnam War veterans in February aiming to block its construction. Critics argue that the proposed location would disrupt the solemnity of nearby funerals and grieving families at the cemetery.
Earlier in August, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum referred to the project as the “Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck” and announced that excavation work was slated to begin soon.
Commentators on social media quickly reacted to Trump's announcement. Journalist Aaron Rupar described the plan as "beyond parody," while Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of the MeidasTouch Network, likened the concept to Trump's past proposals for a military complex within his White House ballroom project. Filipkowski suggested that Trump is using "national security" as a pretext to avoid court intervention for his vanity projects.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, questioned the logistical sense of the proposal, noting the arch's proximity to the Pentagon, which is a short drive away. He pointed out that the Pentagon itself would be a more logical location for such military assets.