Trump's Triumphal Arch to Become Military Complex with Drones, Snipers
Former President Donald Trump announced on social media that his planned monument near Arlington Memorial Bridge will be reconfigured for national security purposes.
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that his proposed triumphal arch near the Arlington Memorial Bridge will be transformed into a military complex capable of housing drones, deploying snipers, and storing ammunition. Trump made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch … into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch," Trump wrote.
He further stated that the 250-foot structure would possess the "rapid ability" to deploy large numbers of drones, feature snipers positioned on its roof and plaza areas, and store "large quantities of sniper ammunition." Trump described the planned facility as one that would "have no facility like this anywhere in the World."
The monument, inspired by Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, is intended to welcome visitors crossing the Memorial Bridge from Arlington National Cemetery into Washington, D.C. Renderings show the proposed structure clad in granite and topped with three golden statues.
The project has faced criticism from preservationists, lawmakers, and veterans who have raised concerns about potential disruptions to views of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Questions have also been raised regarding whether the project requires congressional approval under federal law.
The National Capital Planning Commission has approved the site and preliminary plans, but the project still requires further review. Construction was previously anticipated to begin this month.
This arch is among several large-scale construction and renovation projects Trump has pursued in Washington. His administration has also initiated work on a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom, expected to accommodate approximately 650 seated guests and follow the building's classical design. The White House currently lacks a formal ballroom, and this new structure is slated to replace the existing East Wing. The ballroom is estimated to cost $200 million, financed by Trump and private donors.
Additionally, Trump has overseen other interior and exterior enhancements at the White House, including gold accents in the Oval Office and Cabinet Room, the installation of portraits of former presidents along a "walk of fame," stone pavers in the Rose Garden, and two 88-foot flagpoles.
