Excavation to Begin for Proposed Memorial Arch in Washington, D.C.

<p>Excavation work will begin over the next two weeks on a site where the Trump administration plans to build a memorial arch in Washington, D.C., a project that faces a lawsuit from opponents who argue the project will disrupt nearby historic sight lines.</p><p>Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced Thursday that work would start on the Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck, which will be located on Columbia Island, standing between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.</p><p>Burgum stated on X that this will be one of the significant pieces of American architecture, honoring the history and significance of Arlington Cemetery. He shared mock-ups of the 250-foot arch.</p><p>The images depicted a white arch with gold detail, featuring the phrase "ONE NATION UNDER GOD" on top, along with a gold figure resembling Lady Liberty and gold eagles.</p><p>The project faces opposition from three veterans and an architectural historian who argue that congressional authorization is necessary and lacking for this project, according to Nicolas Sansone, an attorney with the Public Citizen Litigation Group representing the plaintiffs.</p><p>Sansone indicated, "We believe that construction cannot and should not proceed apace, and we are prepared to inform the court that it needs to, at this juncture, step in," as reported by The Associated Press.</p><p>A 24-page report released last month by the National Park Service supports the idea for the arch but noted that the project would have "direct and indirect adverse effects on the sight lines of historic properties."</p><p>Burgum defended the project in a series of posts on X, stating that the idea for a monument has been discussed for decades. He cited attempts by past Congresses and old reports about discussions of the construction of a memorial.</p><p>The secretary noted that over 70 cities, including Athens, London, Madrid, New Delhi, Paris, and Rome, feature arches. He remarked, "Interestingly, Washington, DC, is the only major Western capital without an arch. Now after 125 years of waiting, the most powerful capital in the world will be the home of the most spectacular and beautiful arch of them all!"</p><p>Fox News Digital has reached out to the Interior Department and the Public Citizen Litigation Group for further comments.</p><p>The arch is one of several projects undertaken by the Trump administration, which also includes the renaming of the Kennedy Center, a new White House ballroom, and the refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.</p><p><i>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</i></p>