WASHINGTON
The Trump administration plans to begin excavation work for a proposed 250-foot arch near Washington's National Mall within two weeks, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced Thursday—a move that proceeds without final approvals from the National Capital Planning Commission or completion of federally mandated aviation safety and historic preservation reviews.
The White House said Friday that initial work "does not require approval, but rather helps in the process" and affirmed its intention to "continue on our path of seeking final approval from all applicable entities."
But the project faces an immediate legal obstacle. An architectural historian, three Vietnam War veterans, and the nonprofit Public Citizen filed suit earlier this year seeking to halt construction. The plaintiffs argue the arch would desecrate Arlington National Cemetery and contend the project requires congressional approval—a claim President Trump denies and has not sought.
On Friday, the plaintiffs asked a federal judge for a 14-day restraining order to prevent the Trump administration from taking any steps to construct or facilitate construction on Memorial Circle, a traffic island on the historic bridge connecting Washington to Arlington.
Nicolas Sansone, the attorney leading the case, told NPR that any preparatory work at Memorial Circle is "premature." He expressed uncertainty about the administration's legal authority to commence work.
Trump told journalists last year the arch was "for me." Since then, the administration has said it honors the nation's 250th anniversary. Burgum posted renderings of the white-and-gold structure topped with three large gilded statues, describing it as "one of the Great Pieces of American Architecture, honoring the history and significance of Arlington Cemetery."
Historic preservation experts have criticized the administration for rushing the approval process and weakening protections for historic sites. Federal panels that include Trump allies greenlit the project despite unanswered questions and thousands of overwhelmingly negative public comments.
The White House, the Department of the Interior, and the National Park Service did not respond to NPR's questions about the timeline or extent of planned excavations. They also did not address why the word "military" was added to the structure's formal title, now the "Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck."
