Veterans Oppose Trump’s Massive Arch Near Arlington Cemetery

Veterans and families protest Trump's 250-foot arch near Arlington National Cemetery, citing disruption to military burials.

Editorial Desk

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — A growing coalition of veterans and families of fallen service members is opposing President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery, arguing it will disrupt military burials and disrespect the sacred site.

The project, which would be 86 feet taller than the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, is set to be built at Memorial Circle, a traffic roundabout between the Lincoln Memorial and the cemetery. It would include an observation deck for tourists, raising concerns about its impact on the solemnity of the area.

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Democratic-aligned groups VoteVets and Home of the Brave have joined the opposition, with Paul Eaton, a retired major general and adviser to VoteVets, calling the plans ‘entirely inappropriate and border on sacrilege.’ The group has also filed a lawsuit, claiming the arch would overshadow the cemetery and interfere with its hallowed atmosphere. Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has announced that construction will begin in two weeks, despite ongoing legal and political challenges.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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