The US Commission of Fine Arts, comprised of Trump appointees, has approved designs for a 250ft triumphal arch in Washington DC, marking a key step for the project dubbed the 'Arc de Trump'. The arch will be located near Arlington National Cemetery.
Rodney Mims Cook Jr, the panel's chair, stated that Washington must grow to allow future generations to celebrate their accomplishments, describing the building as 'beautiful'. The administration claims the monument will become one of the most iconic landmarks globally, serving as a reminder of sacrifices made by American heroes.
However, the project faces legal challenges from military veterans and preservationists who argue it lacks congressional approval and would disrupt the experience of visiting Arlington cemetery. A lawsuit was filed earlier this year to halt construction.
The arch's cost remains undisclosed, with a White House official stating it is 'still being calculated' and will be funded through public and private sources. The Trump administration asserts it has the legal authority to proceed.
The arch is part of a series of high-profile projects in Washington during Trump's second term, including a White House ballroom and renovations to the reflecting pool on the National Mall. Trump expressed satisfaction with the approval, calling the arch 'beautiful'.
