President Donald Trump's proposed 'Independence Arch', at 250 feet tall, could pose a danger to flights in the Washington, D.C., area, according to a new report. The arch, intended to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, would be placed between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
At 250 feet, the structure would be taller than both the White House and the Lincoln Memorial. Its height raises concerns because it would sit near a flight corridor where planes approach from the north at an altitude of just 492 feet, as reported by CNN.
Experts have also criticised the arch's size. Bryan Clark Green, an architectural historian, said the monument would 'absolutely dominate the site and the monuments around it'. Its placement could also obstruct the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
A White House official stated that the 'height and design plans have not been finalised' and that any other reporting is speculation. The administration looks forward to completing the project safely. For comparison, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is 164 feet, and Mexico City's Monumento a la Revolución stands at 220 feet.
The arch is expected to gain approval from two D.C.-based review bodies stacked with Trump allies, but could face hurdles requiring public input. Greg Werkheiser, a historic preservation attorney, questioned whether the president will follow laws that give the public a voice in such decisions.
