Trump Administration's Proposed Triumphal Arch Threatens D.C. Landmarks, NPS Says

The Trump administration’s proposed 250-foot “triumphal arch” in Washington could have an “adverse” impact on nearly 40 other capital-area landmarks, according to the National Park Service.

Those include changing the views and potentially altering the symbolism of many of the most iconic and important sites in Washington, including the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Washington Monument.

Last month, NPS solicited public comment and identified potential adverse impacts from the design as part of the so-called Section 106 process under the National Historic Preservation Act. The review is a key step as the project races towards final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which could occur as soon as its next meeting in early September.

Critics argue that tourists on the arch’s proposed viewing deck would interrupt the solemnity of military funerals, while the monument itself would break up the views between the home of Confederate general Robert E. Lee and the Lincoln Memorial, a symbol of the nation’s reunification after the Civil War.

“The scale and mass of the arch is inappropriate in the context of its historic setting and would negatively impact the physical and symbolic unity conveyed via the Arlington Memorial Bridge and Memorial Avenue between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington house,” Arlington County historic preservation principal planner Mical Durak wrote to the Park Service.

“These adverse effects are intentional and inherent in the design of the arch; it is intended to dominate the surrounding landscape,” Roger W. Kirchen, Virginia’s state historic preservation officer, wrote a June letter as part of the review process, obtained by The New York Times.

“Great nations build beautiful structures and works of art that cultivate national pride and love of country,” an Interior Department spokesperson told The Independent. “In this tradition, Secretary Burgum is thrilled to champion the United States Triumphal Arch which will be a project that all Americans can be proud of. In America’s 250th year, President Trump wants to fulfill this vision and build the Triumphal Arch to celebrate the triumphs of the American people, inspires patriotism and love of country, and beautify our nation's capital.”

“The Triumphal Arch in Memorial Circle is going to be one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington, D.C., but throughout the world,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle said in a statement. “It will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike, serving as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250 year history so we can enjoy our freedoms today.”

The White House hopes the project will celebrate American achievement and beautify the capital as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Critics, meanwhile, argue the Trump project is an eye-catching disruption to Washington’s carefully planned skyline.

In February, a group of Vietnam War veterans sued to stop the expected construction on the project, which could last more than a year.

“I fear this massive expression of domination will overshadow the values and spirit of those who valiantly served our country and lie in Arlington National Cemetery: duty, honor, sacrifice and love of country,” one of the plaintiffs said in a statement to The Independent at the time.

Earlier this month, the National Capital Planning Commission, headed by a Trump ally and former administration official, voted to give the project preliminary approval.

In May, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, headed by Trump appointees, ignored overwhelming public opposition to the arch to approve the design.