Trump’s ‘Monument Politics’ Continue: Excavation for Washington Triumphal Arch to Begin Within Two Weeks

No Congressional Consent or National Capital Planning Commission Approval
Political Maneuvering Continues with Limited-Edition Passports and Commemorative Coins

The construction of a triumphal arch, which U.S. President Donald Trump decided to build to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, is expected to begin soon.

Perspective rendering of the triumphal arch proposed to be built in Washington DC by the Trump Administration to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News.

According to foreign media including AFP and AP News on September 3 (local time), U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum posted on X (formerly Twitter), "Excavation work for the construction of the triumphal arch to be erected between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery will begin within two weeks," adding, "(This triumphal arch) will honor the history and significance of Arlington National Cemetery, and will become one of America's great architectural masterpieces, befitting the capital of the most powerful country in the world."

Previously, President Trump announced plans to erect a structure similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, in Washington D.C. for the 250th anniversary of American independence. In April, he provided specific details, setting its height at 250 feet (about 76 meters), and planning to decorate it with gold angels and eagle statues. President Trump also mentioned that this monument is intended to commemorate himself as well.

However, President Trump did not seek Congress's opinion on the construction of this triumphal arch, and final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission has not yet been granted. Even if approval is obtained, there is controversy that, given the scale of the building, it could obstruct the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. In addition, the construction period for the arch is expected to take two to three years, raising concerns about potential traffic congestion during that time.

Donald S. Beyer Jr., a Democratic Representative from Virginia, the district that includes Arlington National Cemetery, criticized the move, saying, "Pushing this forward without congressional approval is clearly illegal," and claimed that the project is being rushed due to the possibility of Republicans losing the House in the November midterm elections.

Meanwhile, since beginning his second term in January last year, President Trump has been making efforts to leave his mark on American history. These efforts include building a large banquet hall in the East Wing of the White House, undertaking renovations of the Reflecting Pool, a prominent landmark in Washington D.C., and declaring plans to add his name to the Kennedy Center to rename it the 'Trump-Kennedy Center.' He also launched a limited-edition passport and issued a one-dollar commemorative coin featuring his name and portrait.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.