Trump Turns Future Triumphal Arch near Washington into Military Complex
Trump turns future triumphal arch near Washington into military complex
The 76-meter structure will be able to store drones and ammunition and deploy snipers, but the project is already facing legal and aviation obstacles
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the planned triumphal arch near Washington will also serve as a military complex. According to him, drones and snipers will be deployed in the facility, as well as large quantities of ammunition, News.bg reports.
The planned structure is about 76 meters high and should be built near the Arlington National Cemetery, near the Memorial Bridge. Trump said the decision was made at the request of the U.S. military. The Pentagon, however, has not provided further details beyond the president's statement.
Trump has not explained what specific military necessity requires the deployment of such facilities in the arch. The project is already causing controversy over its location - about 1.6 km from an operating military base and approximately 3.2 km from the Pentagon.
Retired Marine colonel Mark Cancian questioned the need for a new military site in this place. According to him, the existing infrastructure in the immediate vicinity already has the necessary military capabilities, and the storage of ammunition in the arch would create additional logistical problems.
The project also faces legal obstacles. Veterans filed a lawsuit demanding that construction be halted, claiming the construction would disrupt the historic sight between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. A federal judge has already ordered the administration to notify in advance of activities on the field.
Further questions arose because of the proximity to Ronald Reagan National Airport. On September 18, the Federal Aviation Administration announced that the structure would not pose a danger to aviation, provided that a well-visible “eternal flame” was placed on top of it, and the arch itself was illuminated.
The arc de Triomphe is part of Trump's broader plans to change Washington's face, which also include a new ballroom at the White House, a renovation of the Mirror Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial and a redevelopment of a golf course in East Potomac Park.
