A Commission of Trump Appointees Approves His 250-Foot Triumphal Arch Near Arlington Cemetery

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts voted on May 21 to approve Trump's design for a 250-foot triumphal arch in a traffic circle on the Virginia side of the Potomac, near Arlington National Cemetery and in the sightline of the National Mall. The approved design includes 84-foot gilded statues of Lady Liberty and eagles at the top. Every member of the commission was appointed by Trump at the start of the term, including Chair Rodney Mims Cook Jr. and Vice Chair James McCrery II. Critics said the structure's scale would obstruct views of the Lincoln Memorial and block the symbolic sightline between the memorial and Arlington House, and preservationists objected that the approval was rushed.

The Commission of Fine Arts is the independent design review body for federal projects in Washington. When it is composed entirely of appointees of the official whose project is under review, the review provides limited independent check, and the administration's position that a 1925 authorization already covers the arch would also bypass a fresh vote in Congress.

Vietnam War veterans sued to block the project, arguing it disrespects Arlington and lacks congressional authorization. Remaining approvals include the National Capital Planning Commission, scheduled for June 4, the National Park Service, which manages the land, and local permits.