en.Wedoany.com Reported - The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) conceptually approved on May 21 a proposed memorial arch project promoted by President Donald Trump. The project will be submitted this week to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) for review, planning to construct a building between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, despite opponents attempting to block the project in federal court.

The project, promoted by Trump as the "Independence Arch" and referred to as the "Triumphal Arch" in CFA review materials, has moved rapidly through federal review channels in recent weeks. Court documents show the government has obtained CFA approval, requested review by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), conducted site surveys, and prepared a proposal for NCPC consideration this week. Litigation against the project is advancing toward summary judgment.

The structure will occupy Memorial Circle at the western end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The government describes it as part of planned activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The current design includes a monumental arch with a large central span, viewing areas, and visitor facilities. Revised plans reviewed by the Fine Arts Commission show the structure will rise approximately 250 feet above Memorial Circle.

The latest version was designed by architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau of Harrison Design. Engineering News-Record (ENR) could not independently verify project cost estimates, financing plans, or whether a contractor has been selected. Trump previously described the project as privately funded, but the government has not publicly released a final financing plan.

Design materials submitted during the federal review process show the structure sits directly on the ceremonial corridor between Arlington National Cemetery and the National Mall. Plaintiffs challenging the project argue it will interrupt the historic sightline between Arlington House and the Lincoln Memorial, which was intentionally preserved after the Civil War as a symbol of national unity.

At the May 21 meeting, the Fine Arts Commission approved revised concept plans for the arch despite significant public opposition. According to court documents filed by project opponents, the commission received approximately 1,600 public comments during two review periods, nearly all opposing the proposal. At the CFA meeting, Chairman Rodney Mims Cook Jr. defended the proposal, stating that Washington is not a static city and must evolve to allow Americans of the next 250 years to celebrate their achievements. Rebecca Miller, executive director of the DC Preservation League, criticized the scope of the review, noting that this should be a conceptual approval, but they have already advanced to a full stage.

Plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on May 27, asking Judge Tanya Chutkan to rule that Congress never authorized the project and that construction cannot proceed without compliance with the Commemorative Works Act and other federal review regulations. Plaintiffs argue that Memorial Circle falls under "Area I" of the Commemorative Works Act, where congressional approval is required for the placement of commemorative works. The motion was filed while the government's motion to dismiss remains pending before the court.

The government holds a different position. In its motion to dismiss, the Department of Justice argues that the lawsuit is premature because the National Park Service (NPS) has not issued final authorization, and construction cannot begin until the agency completes applicable reviews and makes a final decision. Government attorneys also argue that the project's authority stems from a 1925 law related to improvements to the Arlington Memorial Bridge and Columbia Island. Plaintiffs counter that the bridge project was completed in the 1930s, the original commission has been dissolved, and there is no congressional authorization for the current arch proposal.

The next milestone for the project is June 4, when the National Capital Planning Commission plans to consider the proposal as a formal action item. ENR requested comments from the Department of Justice and NCPC staff but did not receive an immediate response.

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