“[Letter to Hegseth and the FAA on plans to house drones and military equipment in the arch:] The FAA and DoD must reject this foolhardy plan and instead focus on increasing the safety of the airspace.
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Democrats Introduce Bill to Block Trump's 250-Foot Triumphal Arch in DC
May 27, 2026
In late May 2026, approximately two dozen House Democrats introduced the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act to block federal funding for President Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. The bill, led by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) and Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), argues the project violates the Commemorative Works Act, which requires congressional approval for new memorials on federal land in Washington, D.C. Trump officials have argued they do not need congressional authorization because Congress authorized a similar structure more than a century ago. A Trump-packed Commission of Fine Arts approved a modified design on May 21, 2026, despite more than 600 public comments submitted — 99.5% in opposition. The project has drawn criticism from historic preservation groups including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the DC Preservation League. Republicans including Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN) have defended the arch as a sign of the administration's commitment to classical architecture. With Republicans controlling Congress, the Democratic bill faces long odds of passage.
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13 Statements
“There's a lot of things that we need the military funding for, in fact, we're short on military funding right now. … If it was my choice, I wouldn't put any of that money into the arch.
“Does Trump understand no one wants his stupid arch? Dressing it up as a military necessity doesn't help. [Raskin said he was] sick of the military being used as an excuse for Trump's architectural whims and narcissistic fancies.
“At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch, planned since the Civil War Era many years ago, at the Receptive Circle adjoining the Arlington Memorial Bridge, into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch, to house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas, and additionally have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage.
“Putting a drone launching site directly in the landing path for DCA is a stupid, dangerous, and unworkable idea.
“We are pleased to announce that after a very long wait (over 125 years!), we are preparing to start, over the next two-week period, the excavation work necessary for the Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck.
“Over 70 major cities/capitals around the world, from London, Paris and Rome to Madrid, Athens and New Delhi, all showcase beautiful arches. Interestingly, Washington, DC, is the only major Western capital without an arch.
“This project is not even close to being ready for prime time.
“Burgum and the Trump Administration are disregarding the risks and rushing this towering monument to Trump’s vanity because they believe Republicans will get crushed in November. They believe, I hope correctly, that the project will be endangered by a new Democratic majority that actually stands up to Trump.
“The Administration has not won the legal battle over the proposal, which is plainly illegal without congressional authorization. All of us who oppose it must stand up and redouble our efforts to stop this monstrosity.
“The arch relies on illegal funding manipulations without congressional authorization and violates the Commemorative Works Act.
“We don't build monuments and memorials to leaders who are still alive in America. Many of my colleagues are supporting my bill to reinforce Congress' power of the purse, stop the arch, and limit Donald Trump from building more monuments to his own ego.
“a hopeful sign of the Trump Administration's continued commitment to reviving classical architecture