Trump’s 250-foot D.C. arch nears key federal vote as court fight looms
What’s next: The planning commission meets Thursday, and the government told a judge construction could start the same day if it wins final sign-off.
President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington is approaching a pivotal federal approval vote, even as a judge could still halt construction. The National Capital Planning Commission is set to consider final approval Thursday in an online meeting expected to last five hours, with nearly 120 people signed up to speak. The administration has pushed the project through reviews over months, and the Commission for Fine Arts approved the design in May. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, veterans and preservation groups, argue the arch would block a major view, disrespect nearby Arlington National Cemetery and create aviation risks in D.C. airspace. Government lawyers said late last month that, if the project clears the commission and the Department of the Interior, work could begin as early as Thursday.