Trump administration seeks approval to begin construction of proposed 250-foot arch by early November

The Justice Department told a federal court on Wednesday that construction of a 250-foot triumphal arch proposed by President Donald Trump could begin as early as Nov. 5, 2026, if the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) approves the project and the Interior Department issues a formal authorization the same day. The filing noted that a federal judge is currently reviewing a lawsuit filed by three Vietnam-war veterans and a historic preservationist who argue the structure would disrupt the experience of visitors to Arlington National Cemetery.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who has publicly supported the arch, said a final decision will wait until the NCPC completes its review, adding in an Oct. 9 letter that he has not yet approved the project. The administration has recently added several political appointees as alternate commissioners to the NCPC, replacing some career officials ahead of the commission’s next meeting.

Veterans groups and historic-preservation organizations have called for the arch to be reduced in size or relocated. U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan, overseeing the veterans’ case, warned the administration against proceeding without proper review, recalling past instances where federal projects moved forward without full oversight.

Separately, federal health officials are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters harvested by the Little Wicomico Oyster Company in Virginia. The company has recalled oysters from the affected harvest area and is working with health authorities.

In other news, a Colorado pastor who spent 13 months in immigration detention was released after a magistrate judge ruled that officials lacked a concrete plan for his removal to Uganda and had exceeded the presumptive six-month holding period.