Construction on Trump's DC Arch Could Begin in November
Construction on Trump's proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch near DC could start as early as November 5th, according to a court filing by Trump's lawyers in October. The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on November 5th to review and approve the final site and building plans for the arch.
New plans for the arch, revealed by Trump in 2025, include an observation deck and an eternal flame, while omitting previously proposed military features. The project, estimated to cost $100 million, has faced legal challenges from three US military veterans and a retired architectural historian who argue that Trump should gain congressional approval and follow procedural requirements.
In a February lawsuit, the plaintiffs stated that the arch's proposed location, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, disrupts the historical link intended by the Arlington Memorial Bridge.
Trump initially announced his plan for the arch in October 2025, aiming to complete it by the nation's 250th birthday in 2026. Since then, he has received approval from the US Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission, paving the way for construction to begin.