Trump's 'Triumphal Arch' Proposal Sparks GOP Controversy

WHO:

ABC News - President Donald Trump is involved in the proposal for a "Triumphal Arch."

Alternet - Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson expressed his opposition to Trump's arch proposal.

WHAT:

Bloomberg - Trump suggested that the arch will now include staging areas for U.S. military snipers and to launch drones.

Bloomberg - The arch is proposed to be built in Memorial Circle, which is located between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, and near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Bloomberg - The arch is intended to be a "military complex" with "snipers and drones," as stated by Trump.

Bloomberg - Trump suggested he would modify plans for the arch to include staging areas for U.S. military snipers and to launch drones.

Bloomberg - The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared the project as long as it has safety lighting.

ABC News - Trump claims the "Triumphal Arch" will be built for national security purposes.

Alternet - The proposed arch will be a 25-story structure with a flame atop it, intended to serve as a "military complex" with "snipers and drones."

Alternet - Trump has failed to secure financing for his ballroom project and is seeking congressional funding for the arch.

WHERE:

Alternet - The arch is proposed to be located between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.

WHY:

Alternet - Rep. Mike Simpson expressed concerns about military funding priorities, stating, “There’s a lot of things that we need the military funding for — in fact, we’re short on military funding right now.”

Alternet - Rep. Mike Simpson stated, “If it was my choice, I wouldn’t put any of that money into the arch,” emphasizing the need for military funding elsewhere.

Alternet - Trump argues that the arch is necessary for national security and military purposes.

Alternet - Rep. Simpson stated that there are other Department of Defense projects that should take priority over funding the arch.

HOW:

Alternet - Trump plans to utilize a special memo from the general counsel of the Office of Management and Budget to spend Pentagon funds not allocated by Congress, citing the "Defense Production Act and annual defense legislation from 2017" as justification.

Alternet - Trump claims he has the ultimate authority on all military spending, citing Article II of the Constitution as part of his justification.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 22:59 UTC)

Trump has proposed the construction of an arch in Memorial Circle, which would serve as a military complex featuring staging areas for U.S. military snipers and drone operations. This ambitious project, located between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, has raised concerns among lawmakers like Rep. Mike Simpson, who highlighted the pressing need for military funding in other areas. To finance this initiative, Trump plans to leverage a special memo from the general counsel of the Office of Management and Budget, referencing the Defense Production Act and defense legislation from 2017 to justify the use of Pentagon funds not allocated by Congress.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 22:00 UTC)

Trump has proposed modifications to the arch project, suggesting the inclusion of staging areas for U.S. military snipers and drone launches. The Federal Aviation Administration has approved the project, provided it incorporates safety lighting. Meanwhile, Representative Mike Simpson expressed his opposition to using funds for the arch, advocating instead for military funding to be allocated elsewhere, while Trump asserts his authority over military spending based on Article II of the Constitution.

(UPDATED September 21, 2026 20:59 UTC)

President Trump is proposing a "Triumphal Arch," a 25-story structure intended to serve as a military complex complete with snipers and drones, which he claims is necessary for national security. The arch is planned to be located between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, but Idaho Republican Rep. Mike Simpson has voiced his opposition, suggesting that other Department of Defense projects should take precedence. Trump is seeking congressional funding for the arch, as he has not secured financing for his ballroom project, and plans to use a special memo from the Office of Management and Budget to access Pentagon funds not allocated by Congress.