The Trump administration says it will move ahead with preliminary steps for a 250-foot triumphal arch Washington project near the Lincoln Memorial even though final federal approvals are still pending and a lawsuit is underway.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Thursday that excavation could begin within two weeks, surprising critics because the project has not cleared its last required review. The arch secured design approval in May from a federal panel stocked with Trump appointees, but it still needs authorization from the National Capital Planning Commission, which is not scheduled to meet again until October. Agencies are also continuing studies on potential impacts, including effects on nearby air traffic at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
What’s next for the triumphal arch Washington proposal
A White House spokesperson said any near-term activity would be limited to work that does not require approval and “helps in the process.” Government attorneys clarified late Friday that this refers to archaeological surveys rather than construction. Following that filing, a judge ordered the government to provide 48 hours’ notice before doing anything beyond on-site information gathering.
Historic preservation experts have accused the administration of rushing the review since the idea surfaced last October. Earlier this year, an architectural historian and three Vietnam War veterans sued, arguing the arch would desecrate Arlington National Cemetery and requires congressional approval. The administration disputes that. The plaintiffs asked the judge for a two-week restraining order to halt any work.
Nicholas Sansone, the plaintiffs’ lead attorney, said any activity at the site is premature and warned that once construction begins it may be difficult for a court to provide meaningful relief. He pointed to the recent demolition of the White House East Wing to build a ballroom as an example of irreversible steps.
The administration has moved to dismiss the case, citing a Supreme Court ruling this week on the White House ballroom that found plaintiffs there lacked legal standing. Sansone says the Vietnam veterans have strong standing due to their personal ties to the cemetery, and he warns the broader principle at stake affects the public at large.
Tens of thousands of critical public comments have been submitted during the ongoing review, raising concerns about impacts on traffic, funeral services at Arlington, and views along the National Mall. The National Park Service acknowledged last week that the arch would affect dozens of nearby historic sites but is proceeding with the process.
Government lawyers told the court that site work would begin no earlier than September 21 and that any natural resources disturbed would be restored by the end of October. That timeline runs into the early November midterm elections. U.S. Rep. Don Beyer of Northern Virginia suggested the schedule may be politically driven and said he has not heard from constituents who support the project. He expects protests if work starts. The administration estimates construction would take two to three years, with work occurring up to 20 hours a day throughout the year, potentially pushing toward the end of President Trump’s term.
Earlier reporting indicated that excavation to start soon for Trump’s arch in Washington could face similar timing questions around the election calendar.
