Donald Trump has said plans for a 250ft triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery will be converted into a military complex containing drones, snipers and ammunition storage.
The US president said the change had been agreed “at the strong request of the United States Military” and for national security reasons. The structure is planned for a traffic circle near Arlington Memorial Bridge, across the Potomac River from Washington DC.
In a post on Truth Social, Mr Trump described the project as a “top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch”. He said it would “house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas”, as well as hold “large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage”.
Work on the arch was expected to begin this month, with excavation planned for the site. The proposed monument would be clad in granite, topped with three golden statues and include an observation deck.
Mr Trump said: “There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World.” He also claimed Washington DC was the only one among 59 leading cities and capitals without a triumphal arch.
The administration has said the development forms part of a wider effort by the president to leave his architectural mark on the US capital. It is also intended to recognise the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year.
The plans have faced opposition over concerns that the arch’s height could disrupt views between major Washington monuments and Arlington National Cemetery. Its position close to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has also prompted concerns about the area’s already complex airspace.
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Friday that the arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft arriving at or departing from the nearby airport, despite concerns raised by Democratic lawmakers.
