Trump's arch wins final approval, but legal fight looms
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
A replica of President Trump's arch project at The Great American State Fair on the National Mall earlier this year. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
President Trump's much-contested "triumphal arch" has received its final planning approval, but a federal judge could still block construction.
Why it matters: The Trump administration has said that work on the 250-foot arch could start immediately, even as lawsuits challenge whether the project can move forward.
Driving the news: The National Capital Planning Commission — stacked with Trump loyalists — gave the project final approval Thursday during a packed virtual hearing that saw over 100 people testify and stretched over nine hours.
- Opposing speakers included the D.C. Preservation League's executive director, military veterans and some of the family members of those buried at Arlington Cemetery.
Yes, but: A District judge is considering combined lawsuits to block the arch: One from D.C. and Virginia, and another from veterans — meaning the project could still be paused.
- The same judge earlier this week ordered that the government must notify the court within 30 minutes of beginning any activity related to arch construction.
- The government has said that Maryland-based Grunley Construction Company might already be preparing to start construction in anticipation of sign-off.
The big picture: The proposed 250-foot arch has also been the source of fierce public objection and protests.
- Critics have accused the administration of sidestepping necessary federal historic-preservation reviews and congressional sign-off, among other concerns.
- Meanwhile, some Democratic lawmakers have suggested they'll make it harder for Trump to push his D.C. projects through once they assume Congressional control come January.
Between the lines: Critics of the project say it would overshadow and dishonor nearby Arlington Cemetery, snarl traffic during construction, hurt the local environment and create airspace safety issues at DCA, among other issues.
- Building the project would take two to three years, with crews working 20 hours a day, per the administration.
What they're saying: The Trump administration has argued that the arch would improve the Arlington Cemetery visitor experience, as well as improve national security by containing drones and snipers, although final plans submitted to the NCPC didn't show these elements.
- Trump earlier this week called the project "one of the great things we've ever done."