Trump to use Washington triumphal arch as military complex

Trump to employ Washington triumphal arch as military complex. Reuters Published September 20, 2026 Updated September 20, 2026 08: 18pm.

Key points

• The White House and the Department of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
• The projects are part of Trump's ambitious effort to reshape Washington, including a push to add his name to the John F.
• It was demolished to produce way for the project.

As well as storing sizeable quantities of ammunition, united States President Donald Trump remarked on Sunday that the triumphal arch he aims to build near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington would double as a "military complex" housing drones and ‌snipers.

In practice, the president cited national security reservations for the move, echoing the rationale offered for the roughly $400 million ballroom complex being built on the site of the White House's former East Wing. It was demolished to produce way for the project. He did not identify ⁠any specific threats.

Notably, the projects are part of Trump's ambitious effort to reshape Washington, including a push to add his name to the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts. The intends have drawn criticism from preservationists and others who argue they could alter or diminish historic landmarks.

In a social media post, Trump remarked that at the "strong request" of the military he had agreed to turn the 76-metre arch "into a top-grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch, to house, store, and have ‌the ⁠rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas, and additionally have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage."

Meanwhile, the White House and the Department of Defence did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In practice, the ⁠Federal Aviation Administration remarked last week that the arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft but would be required to have an "eternal flame" on top, clearing an aviation hurdle for the arch, ⁠which Trump proposed to mark the nation's 250th anniversary.

While veterans have sued to ⁠block the arch, arguing it would destroy the historic sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, aviation experts have raised safety reservations given its proximity to Reagan Washington National Airport.

Taken together, the developments around trump to use Washington triumphal arch as military complex point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.