Trump's 250-foot arch faces legal challenge over security claims

President Donald Trump plans to build a 250-foot triumphal arch at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told a federal judge that the structure would help defend Washington from drones and other threats.

The officials said the arch would provide a vantage point to coordinate security responses, deploy snipers, and store large quantities of sniper ammunition. They described it as a dual-purpose monument with military utility for homeland defense.

“The Arch is a generational national defense opportunity to mitigate these evolving threats.”

Construction crews could break ground as soon as November 5, but aboveground work would not begin before May 2027, and the project could stretch into 2030. The administration filed sworn declarations ahead of a Friday hearing before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan.

Three Vietnam War veterans and a historic preservationist sued the administration in February, arguing that the arch would disrupt the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. They also said the project cannot proceed without formal congressional approval.

Judge Chutkan pressed Justice Department lawyer Robert Stander on the national security declarations, saying they lacked detail and support. She indicated she would move quickly to rule on the request to block construction.

The plaintiffs had asked for a decision by November 4, one day before the government is set to break ground. Advocates for national parks, historic preservation, and architects have joined the opposition to the project.