By — Will Weissert, Associated Press Will Weissert, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-says-the-towering-arch-he-wants-to-be-build-might-be-dedicated-to-military-veterans Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Trump says the towering arch he wants to be build might be dedicated to military veterans Politics Nov 11, 2026 4:11 PM EST WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump observed Veterans Day by suggesting that the towering arch he wants to build in his own honor would also be dedicated to the U.S. military and those who served in its ranks. That's despite three veterans having sued to stop the project — which a federal court has since temporarily blocked. Some military groups have cheered the arch, but many others have opposed it or joined efforts to stop construction. WATCH: News Wrap: Judge blocks construction of Trump's triumphal arch for now Trump has said for months that the 250-foot (76-meter) arch set for construction near Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial would be inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and might even be called the "Arc de Trump."…
Trump says the towering arch he wants to be build might be dedicated to military veterans
In short
The proposed monument, designated on an administration website as the United States Military Triumphal Arch, was originally conceived by the president in his own honor before this latest redesignation. Beyond its memorial role, blueprints include operational defenses such as munitions storage within columns, sniper posts, and drone-launching systems. Opponents, including nine members of the Kennedy family, argue the structure will cast an unwanted shadow over historic burial sites. The legal challenge from Judge Tanya Chutkan arrives just as incoming congressional Democrats prepare to review this and other contested building endeavors across Washington.
Key points
- The planned 250-foot triumphal arch represents a contentious shift from an initial self-h…: The planned 250-foot triumphal arch represents a contentious shift from an initial self-honoring concept to an armed veterans memorial.
- Strong pushback from veterans and surviving families has stalled the capital project thro…: Strong pushback from veterans and surviving families has stalled the capital project through federal court challenges.
- Incoming Democratic leadership in Congress poses significant legislative hurdles for the…: Incoming Democratic leadership in Congress poses significant legislative hurdles for the arch and multiple related executive building projects.