The National Capital Planning Commission voted Thursday to approve President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch in Washington, clearing a key step toward construction.
The 250-foot monument, modeled on Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, is planned near Memorial Bridge, where visitors travel from Arlington National Cemetery into the capital. The commission approved the proposal 8-4 after a public hearing. Administration officials said work could begin as soon as this week.
Commission Chairman Mark Paoletta, appointed by Trump, backed the project, saying grand monuments help express a nation’s identity. He noted that Trump has pointed to arches in cities including Paris, Rome and London.
The planned structure would be faced with granite and topped by three gold-colored statues. Trump has also described plans for the site to serve a military role, including deploying drones, positioning snipers on the roof and plaza, and storing large quantities of sniper ammunition.
The proposal has faced objections from preservationists, lawmakers and veterans, who say the arch could affect views of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Critics have also questioned whether federal law requires Congress to approve the project.
The commission had previously approved the site and preliminary plans.
