Trump reveals plans to turn 250ft Triumphal Arch into one-of-a-kind ‘top grade military complex’ with snipers & drones

PRESIDENT Trump has said the military asked him to convert his proposed Triumphal Arch into a top-grade national security complex. Taking to Truth Social, Trump said he has agreed to change his plans for the world’s tallest triumphal arch proposed to be erected near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. A mock-up of the Triumphal Arch was displayed for the Great American State Fair earlier this summer Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images President Donald Trump says the arch will now be a national monument and a top-grade military complex Credit: AP Now, the 250-foot arch will not only be a national monument but also a top-grade military complex with drones, snipers and a weapons store, he said. “At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch, planned since the Civil War Era many years ago, at the Receptive Circle adjoining the Arlington Memorial Bridge, into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch,” he wrote on Sunday morning. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! It will “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.” “There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World. “Out of the 59 top cities and Capitals, Washington, D.C., IS THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD THAT DOES NOT HAVE A TRIUMPHAL ARCH, but it will now and, by far, the greatest of them all!” This additional use could be key to seeing the proposal be accepted. A similar argument was made for the construction of the $400 million White House ballroom where the East Wing once stood. However, it is due to spark outrage among veterans and their families especially with the nearby cemetery being “the nation’s most hallowed ground” as the resting place for scores of soldiers killed in conflict. Most read in The Sun The plan for the arch had already been a contentious issue among veterans before the plan to had it double up as a military site. It is proposed to be situated in a traffic circle between the cemetery and the Memorial Bridge over the Pontomac River connecting DC with Virginia. The monument is slated to be near Arlington National Cemetery and across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial Credit: Commission on Fine Arts Opponents have highlighted that the towering structure will block the historic sightlines of memorials and monuments in DC Credit: Commission on Fine Arts Veterans have already raised issue with the location of the arch so close to the Arlington National Cemetery and this latest development is set to add to this opposition Credit: Alamy Architectural renderings of the proposed arch were first released in April Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk The arch, which would be more than twice the height of the 99-foot-tall Lincoln Memorial on the other side of the river, would block the sight line from the memorial to the cemetery. The view of Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee memorial would also be impeded by the arch which is proposed to also have a tourist observation deck despite it being a top-grade military complex. The National Park Service highlighted similar concerns of “adverse effects” on historic landmarks in the city and a negative impact on “design continuity” of DC’s settings and views of national monuments. Meanwhile, concerns had also been raised by aviation experts with the arch being planned along a flight path for the Reagan National Airport. However, the Federal Aviation Administration has said the structure will not be an issue. Initial design prepared by architecture firm Harrison Design show inscriptions reading “One Nation Under God” and “Liberty and Justice for All” carved into either side of the white arch. A gold-coloured Lady Liberty flanked by two eagles tops the structure, with four statues of lions guarding the base. Preliminary approval for the plans has been given by The National Capital Planning Commission, one of two federal agencies who must review and approve changes to government property in DC. Final approval for the arch could be given as soon as October 1, CNN reports. Comment now