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Trump Converts Triumphal Arch Plans to Military Complex
Confirmed
In Short: President Trump announced on Sunday that he has agreed to convert plans for a massive triumphal arch into a 'top grade Military Complex,' equipped with snipers and drone storage, in response to a request from the United States Military for national security purposes.
The arch, originally planned since the Civil War era, was set to be built at the Receptive Circle adjoining the Arlington Memorial Bridge, near Arlington National Cemetery.
Work on the 250-foot-tall arch was expected to begin this month, with plans to start excavation on the site across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The arch was proposed to be clad in granite and topped with three golden statues, featuring an observation deck.
The administration had previously stated that the arch's development would recognize the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year, as part of a broader effort to put the president's architectural stamp on the nation's capital.
Despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers, the Federal Aviation Administration determined that the arch poses no hazard to flights coming into and departing from nearby Ronald Reagan Airport, clearing the project's initial safety reviews.
The FAA required the arch to have an 'eternal flame' at the top and three floodlight projectors to boost its visibility to pilots, ensuring it would have 'no substantial adverse effect' on flights.
As with Trump’s other grand projects in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area, the arch has proven controversial, and it still requires approval from the National Capital Planning Commission before construction can proceed.
What this adds
The conversion details, including how the structure will be altered to accommodate military functions, have not been specified by the administration.
What's confirmed
- "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," Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
What's still developing
- Updated on: September 20, 2026 / 8:34 AM EDT / CBS News Washington — President Trump said on Sunday that he has agreed to convert plans for a massive triumphal arch into a "top grade Military Complex," equipped with snipers and drone storage.
- Out of the 59 top cities and Capitals, Washington, D.C., IS A TRIUMPHAL ARCH, but it will now and, by far, the greatest of them all!
- President Donald Trump said his planned Triumphal Arch will be converted into a military complex to house drones and snipers.
- Trump didn’t specify whether or how this conversion would change the structure of the arch.