Hours after a U.S. judge paused construction on Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot arch in Washington, the White House unveiled new depictions casting the project as a tribute to the nation's military heritage. The site is now referred to as the Military Triumphal Arch.
Animated images showcase gilded, winged statues above the words “GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICA,” with a flame emanating from a torch held by one of the figures. These renderings were shared by the United States Triumphal Arch Foundation, whose chairman, former Trump-appointed ambassador Randy Evans, stated the foundation is not connected to the government.
The arch and other signature projects have drawn significant opposition. Attorneys general from Virginia and the District of Columbia have filed lawsuits to halt construction, arguing it will irreparably damage the skylines of the nation's capital and surrounding areas, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
The Federal Aviation Administration approved the project in September, despite some aviation experts raising safety concerns due to its proximity to Reagan Washington National Airport. The Trump administration has previously justified the arch as a "military complex" intended for drones and snipers.
The National Capital Planning Commission approved the arch project on Thursday after hearing from approximately 100 opponents. However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day restraining order on construction the following day, citing potential disruptions from excavation, traffic, and noise.
The Trump administration maintains that Congress authorized the arch over a century ago alongside the construction of a bridge across the Potomac River. White House spokesman Davis Ingle criticized the federal ruling as coming from an "activist district court" and expressed confidence in the project's eventual completion.
Construction is anticipated to take two to three years, according to Interior Department documents.