Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch has moved a step closer to reality. Trump proposed building the structure near Arlington National Cemetery in October 2025 to mark America’s 250th birthday. However, the project has faced immense criticism from the public.
The 250-foot triumphal arch could face final consideration in September
The 250-foot triumphal arch proposed by Donald Trump has received approval from a panel of the National Capital Planning Commission. According to a report by the Washington Post, the panel has voted in favor of the building plans and the preliminary site for the arch.
Despite the backlash that the project has received from the general public, the Trump administration has received the green light. However, a final vote on this will be taken in September. In this final voting session, the planning commission will also consider whether the triumphal arch can be exempt from the Height of Buildings Act, which allows only structures up to 130 feet to be built.
Previously, a public hearing was held during which people voiced concerns about the proposed arch. They suggested that the arch would block the view of one of the largest cemeteries in America, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Lincoln Memorial. According to The Hill, a representative of DC Council Chair Phil Mendelson on the commission, Evan Cash, voted against the arch. In his statement, he talked about the height restrictions and said, “I’m not willing to lend my vote to plans that can have the effect of upending decades of NCPC practice and century-old height framework. All without congressional authorization, for a project that, as far as I can tell, has only one real advocate ‒ and that advocate is not Congress.”
If made, the arch would easily tower over the Lincoln Memorial and half the height of the Washington Monument.
