The Trump administration’s proposal to construct a 250-foot arch in Memorial Circle, a traffic roundabout between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, faces mounting opposition from preservationists and federal agencies over its impact on historic sites.
The National Park Service released a document this week identifying 37 historic properties that would be adversely affected by the structure’s placement. The agency noted that the arch would interfere with the visual and symbolic connection between the Lincoln Monument and Arlington House, the former home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The assessment was released as part of a Section 106 review required under the National Historic Preservation Act, which mandates federal agencies evaluate impacts on historic properties and minimize harm.
Critics argue the administration has failed to adequately consider alternative locations. David Maloney, D.C.’s state historic preservation officer, proposed placing the arch near the Frederick Douglass Bridge in southeast D.C., suggesting it would enhance a developing neighborhood and avoid adverse effects on the nation’s most concentrated collection of historic sites. Preservationists contend that typical processes for evaluating new monuments include weighing alternatives before selection, a step they say was skipped in this case.
The Trump administration maintains that Memorial Circle is ideal for the structure and would enhance the visitor experience. An Interior Department spokesperson stated the arch would offer views from an observation deck and add a monumental structure to what is currently undeveloped land. However, legal experts handling suits against the project express frustration with what they characterize as insufficient transparency and genuine consultation.
The Section 106 review process itself faces challenges. It began only after the arch received final design approval from one federal arts commission, an unusual sequence critics say reflects inadequate deliberation. Additionally, the Trump administration is seeking to weaken Section 106 requirements through the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, proposing changes that would limit the definition of historic sites and reduce public input requirements for federal construction projects. A group of Vietnam War veterans has sued to block the construction, and House Democrats introduced legislation opposing the project, though Republican control of Congress makes passage unlikely.
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