President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized protesters who gathered in Washington last week against his proposed $250 million triumphal arch, posting on Truth Social: "Do these people not have jobs?"
The president shared images of the demonstrators, including a photo of Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, one of the arch's most vocal opponents. Critics have labeled the structure a vanity project, arguing it would obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery and complicate the city's airspace. Protesters carried signs reading "veterans over vanity" and "arch of corruption."
Duckworth has warned the arch would create problems for Washington's already congested airspace. Veteran groups and citizen organizations across the Washington area also oppose construction. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, has said he will not allocate Pentagon funding to the project, citing the military's existing funding shortages.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the arch's design. The commission comprises seven panelists appointed by Trump. Following the approval, a group of Vietnam War veterans filed a lawsuit to halt construction.
The arch is one of several renovation initiatives Trump has pursued since returning to office, including upgrades to the White House ballroom, demolition of the East Wing, renovations to the Rose Garden and helipad, changes at the Kennedy Center, and statues on Freedom Plaza.
