The RecordExhibit 98
Breaking ground on a 250-foot 'Triumphal Arch' without Congress
Pending means: In court or under criminal investigation right now.
The administration announced excavation for a 250-foot arch at Memorial Circle, more than twice the height of the Lincoln Memorial, before the federal planning commission had given final approval.
What happened
Since 1986, every memorial on federal land in the capital, more than 40 of them, has gone to Congress first under the Commemorative Works Act; the arch's sponsor sought no act at all. Opponents say it would wreck the historic sight line between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House. Trump now says the arch is needed for national security and will have drones and snipers. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum now calls it the Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck.
Where it stands
Vietnam veterans and a historian sued in February. After Burgum announced on Sept. 3 that excavation would start within two weeks, Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the government to give 48 hours' notice before any work toward building the arch, and later refused the Justice Department's request to lift that order. The department argues, citing the Supreme Court's ballroom ruling, that the plaintiffs have no standing to sue. The National Park Service's own preservation review found the arch would harm nearby historic sites. Congressional Democrats warned officials could be held personally liable.
The administration's side
Supporters say it honors veterans and Arlington Cemetery. The administration notes Congress approved a memorial at the site over 100 years ago and argues the city's height limit shouldn't apply. The government says its early work at the site is archaeological survey, not construction.
Sources
Permanent link: https://unredactedrecord.com/e/arch/