Park Service Cautions Trump Arch Could Harm Nearby Landmarks

WHO:

IJR - National Park Service (NPS) listed about 40 locations that would be “adversely affected” by Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch.

Alternet - Ed Stierli, vice president for government affairs with the National Parks Conservation Association, commented on the adverse effects of the arch.

Alternet - Roger W. Kirchen, Virginia’s State Historic Preservation Officer, warned about the intentional disruptions caused by the arch.

WHAT:

IJR - Trump proposed a Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C.

Alternet - The arch is planned to be 250 feet tall and is inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Alternet - The Park Service warned that the arch could "ruin just about everything near it."

Alternet - The Park Service stated that the arch would disrupt the symbolic relationship between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

WHERE:

IJR - The proposed location for the Triumphal Arch is at Memorial Circle, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial and near Arlington National Cemetery.

Alternet - The National Cathedral, located four miles away, is mentioned as being affected by the arch.

WHY:

Alternet - Critics argue that the arch would disrupt the city’s skyline and block iconic vistas.

Alternet - Roger W. Kirchen stated that the adverse effects are intentional and inherent in the design of the arch.

HOW:

Alternet - The Park Service is required to seek ways to reduce adverse effects on historic sites under the National Historic Preservation Act, but the arch is expected to move forward with little change.

(UPDATED August 3, 2026 22:05 UTC)

President Trump has proposed a 250-foot tall Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C., inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, with plans to place it at Memorial Circle, across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial and near Arlington National Cemetery. The National Park Service has identified about 40 locations that could be adversely affected by the arch, warning that it could disrupt the symbolic relationship between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, while critics argue it would block iconic vistas and alter the city's skyline. Despite these concerns, the Park Service is expected to proceed with the project with minimal changes, as they are required to seek ways to mitigate adverse effects on historic sites under the National Historic Preservation Act.