Archive · 20 Sep 2026
Trump Proposes Military Complex Inside Washington Triumphal Arch
Donald Trump wants to build a very large triumphal arch in Washington.
He now says the arch could also be used by the military.
The complex could store and quickly deploy drones, snipers and ammunition.
Trump said the military strongly requested this change.
He said national security was the reason, but he did not describe a specific danger.
The arch would be about 250 feet tall.
Aviation officials said it would not be dangerous for airplanes, but required an eternal flame on top.
Some aviation experts are still worried because the arch would be near an airport.
Veterans are suing because they say the arch would harm an important historic view.
Donald Trump said the U.S. military requested converting his proposed Washington triumphal arch into a complex for drones, snipers and ammunition.
Trump cited national security concerns but identified no specific threats, officials or military branches behind the request.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the planned 250-foot arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft, but would require an eternal flame.
Aviation experts remain concerned about the structure’s proximity to Reagan Washington National Airport.
Veterans have sued to block the project, arguing it would damage the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
- Who
- U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. military, the Federal Aviation Administration, aviation experts and veterans.
- What
- Trump proposed converting a planned triumphal arch into a military complex for storing and deploying drones, snipers and ammunition.
- When
- Trump announced the proposed change on Sunday; the Federal Aviation Administration issued its assessment the previous week.
- Where
- Near Arlington Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., close to Reagan Washington National Airport.
- Why
- Trump cited national security concerns and said the military requested the change; veterans and aviation experts have raised objections.
Administration and Military Proposal
Critics and Veterans
Military purpose
Administration and Military Proposal
Trump said he accepted a strong military request to use the arch as a complex for drones, snipers and ammunition because of national security concerns.
Critics and Veterans
The reports note that Trump provided no specific threats or evidence of a formal request, while veterans are suing to block the project.
Aircraft safety
Administration and Military Proposal
The Federal Aviation Administration said the 250-foot arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft and cleared an aviation-related obstacle.
Critics and Veterans
Aviation experts remain concerned because the structure would be close to Reagan Washington National Airport.
Impact on Washington’s landscape
Administration and Military Proposal
Trump’s proposal is part of a broader effort to reshape Washington’s monumental landscape, alongside other projects such as a White House ballroom and Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovation.
Critics and Veterans
Veterans argue that the arch would destroy the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
- Proposed structure
- A 250-foot (76-meter) triumphal arch
- Proposed military use
- A complex for storing and rapidly deploying drones, snipers and ammunition
- Stated reason
- National security concerns
- Claimed requester
- The U.S. military, although Trump did not identify specific officials or military branches
- Aviation assessment
- The Federal Aviation Administration said the arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft
- Required feature
- An eternal flame on top of the arch
- Legal opposition
- Veterans have sued, arguing the project would damage the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery
