US park service warns Trump's 250ft Washington arch will harm historic sites but says it should go ahead anyway

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

The National Park Service has acknowledged that President Trump's proposed 250ft triumphal arch in central Washington DC is expected to cause "adverse effects to historic properties" — yet is recommending the project proceed. The arch risks undermining the carefully designed sightlines linking Arlington House, Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington Memorial Bridge and the Lincoln Memorial, a sequence intended to symbolise America's reunification after the Civil War. Officials say supplemental planning will be needed to protect historic fabric, and a review document has been circulated among preservationists requiring sign-off by noon Monday.

The park service document warns the arch's "adverse effects cannot be fully avoided while retaining the location-dependent purpose of the Undertaking."

Preservationists, veterans and lawmakers have repeatedly voiced opposition to the project, but the Trump administration intends to move forward.

The planning document and emails were reportedly obtained by a news outlet; the National Park Service had not responded to the Guardian for comment at the time of publication.