President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his proposal to build a 250-foot triumphal arch across Arlington National Cemetery would also function as a military facility.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described converting the planned structure, originally set to be built near the “Receptive Circle” by the Arlington Memorial Bridge, into a “top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch”.
Military Use, Trump Says
Trump said the change was made “at the strong request” of the United States Military and for “National Security purposes”. He said the structure would be used to “house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones”, adding that it would include snipers on both the roof and plaza areas.
He also said the site would hold “large quantities of sniper ammunition” in storage.
Trump further wrote that “there will be no facility like this anywhere in the World”.
Groundbreaking Planned Amid Litigation
The fresh justification was issued as the Trump administration prepares to move forward with the project, including breaking ground at the arch site while litigation is ongoing.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on September 4, according to the article, though the text provided does not include further detail about his remarks.
Trump’s comments come amid continuing legal challenges to the proposal, with critics raising concerns about its placement and potential impact on the surrounding area.
Criticism Over location and Views
The plan has faced heavy criticism, including objections to where the arch would be built and whether it could block views of other monuments in Washington.
Critics have also highlighted the visibility and symbolic significance of the area around Arlington National Cemetery and the memorials and landmarks nearby, arguing that the proposed structure could alter sightlines for existing monuments.
White House Ballroom Compared
Trump has also used a similar rationale for another project. He previously justified building a White House ballroom by saying it, too, would include military and national security elements.
In the most recent comments, he presented the arch as serving both a ceremonial and operational purpose, describing it as a military complex as well as a triumphal structure.
Further Details Requested
CNN said it had contacted the White House and the Pentagon to seek more details about Trump’s plan.
The proposal remains subject to legal proceedings even as the administration prepares for construction-related steps.
META: Trump said his proposed Arlington triumphal arch would double as a military complex for drones and sniper deployments, as legal challenges continue.
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20 September 2026
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