The US Commission of Fine Arts, composed of Trump appointees, has approved designs for a proposed 250ft triumphal arch in Washington. The decision marks a significant step forward for the project, often referred to as the 'Arc de Trump'. The design will next be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission in the coming month.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr, the panel's chair, stated that Washington must evolve to allow future generations to celebrate their achievements. He described the building as 'beautiful'. The arch will feature a public viewing deck and is intended to become one of the most iconic landmarks in Washington and worldwide, according to the administration.
The proposed location near Arlington National Cemetery has sparked controversy. A group of military veterans and historic preservationists filed a lawsuit earlier this year, arguing that the structure lacks congressional approval and would obstruct the view from the cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial. The Trump administration maintains it has the legal authority to proceed.
The project's estimated cost remains undisclosed, with a White House official stating it would be funded through a mix of public and private sources. The arch is among several high-profile projects Trump is pursuing in Washington during his second term, including a White House ballroom and renovations to the reflecting pool on the National Mall.
President Trump expressed satisfaction with the approval, calling the arch 'beautiful' and confirming the panel's decision as 'fantastic'.
