Veterans and Democrats rally against proposed Trump memorial arch in Washington
Activists, including veterans and lawmakers, gathered at Memorial Circle to oppose a 250-foot arch proposed by President Trump, citing cost, location, and lack of congressional approval, while a lawsuit and upcoming midterm elections could affect the project's fate.
Dozens of veterans, retirees, lawmakers and other activists assembled at Memorial Circle in Washington, D.C., on Thursday to protest a plan by President Trump to erect a 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery. The demonstrators, organized in part by the advocacy group Public Citizen, displayed a tarp mock-up of the structure and voiced concerns about its size, expense, lack of congressional authorization, and potential impact on the historic cemetery.
"It's the wrong monument, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, dedicated to the wrong man," said Jon Gundersen, a retired Army veteran and one of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit challenging the project.
Gundersen, who traveled from South Carolina, described the arch as "a waste of money" and argued that it does not honor veterans. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) also addressed the crowd, criticizing the proposal and suggesting that resources would be better spent on services for veterans.
"Imagine tourists coming up to this arch looking at the funerals at Arlington. It's not only wrong and inappropriate, it's obscene and should never be done," Gundersen added.
Protesters also raised safety concerns, noting that the arch would be situated near a busy airport approach and that the Trump administration has indicated the structure could house military drones and snipers. Representative Don Beyer (D-Va.) questioned the rationale, suggesting the administration might be using national-security language to influence the courts.
The White House has said the arch would "enhance the visitor experience" at the cemetery and serve as a visual reminder of veterans' sacrifices, but officials have not responded to media inquiries about the proposed military components. Federal review of the project is expected to reach the National Capital Planning Commission in early November, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has moved to submit its recommendations directly to the Interior Secretary.
Activists warned that continued legal challenges and public pressure, combined with the upcoming midterm elections, could affect the project's progress. Duckworth noted that a shift in congressional control could impede funding for the arch, while Beyer said a large number of people are prepared to protest further if construction begins.