Trump says proposed Washington arch will become a military complex at request of U.S. armed forces

President Donald Trump said his proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., will be repurposed as a "top-grade military complex" that can store drones, ammunition and sniper supplies. In a post on his Truth Social platform, he claimed the plan reflected a "strong request" from the U.S. military and added that the structure would be able to "house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage."

Trump asserted that the facility would be unique, stating, "There will be no facility like this anywhere in the world." The project has drawn criticism from preservationists and lawmakers who warn that the arch could obstruct sight lines to nearby monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, and raise safety concerns due to its proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The National Park Service recently warned that the construction could have adverse effects on historic properties and called for additional planning.

The arch is among several construction initiatives announced by Trump that he says will enhance the capital’s visual prominence, including a White House ballroom and renovations to the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool and the Kennedy Center. Legal and logistical challenges have delayed many of these projects. Groundbreaking for the arch is slated for later this month, with Trump linking the timing to the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The design calls for a granite exterior topped by three golden statues.