Representative Don Beyer (D-VA) is leading a congressional charge to prevent the construction of President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch in Washington, D.C. Beyer, whose district includes Arlington National Cemetery, has introduced legislation, the Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act, specifically aimed at prohibiting the arch's construction. His opposition stems from concerns about the project's legality, its potential disruption to traffic, and its adverse effects on numerous historic sites. The National Park Service's own "Assessment of Effect" confirmed that the 250-foot arch would "adversely affect" dozens of landmarks, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Washington Monument.
Beyer and other critics argue that the project is being rushed and lacks proper authorization, as federal law requires congressional approval for monuments on National Park Service land in Washington. A lawsuit filed by Vietnam War veterans in February echoes this point, and a federal judge has already granted a temporary restraining order, pausing excavation work. Beyer also highlights unresolved issues concerning transportation infrastructure, emergency responder access, and environmental impacts, which Arlington County has raised.
Recent developments have seen President Trump rebrand the arch as a "military complex," claiming it will house drones, snipers, and ammunition. This shift, announced after the legal challenges and the National Park Service's warning of "adverse effects to historic properties," appears to be an attempt to justify the project on national security grounds. However, Beyer and aviation experts, including a Democratic representative, have dismissed this as a pretext to bypass legal hurdles, warning of the dangers of operating drones near Reagan Washington National Airport and the impracticality of the military installations. The arch's estimated cost was at least $100 million before its rebranding.
Beyer also expressed concerns about the project's timing, suggesting that the administration is rushing construction because they anticipate a shift in congressional power after the upcoming November elections. He and his constituents vociferously oppose the arch, which they view as a "vanity project" that disrespects historical sites and America's fallen heroes. The project remains mired in legal challenges and awaits final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
