Protest Against Trump’s Proposed Arch at Arlington Bridge

On Thursday morning, a group of demonstrators assembled at Memorial Circle in Washington, D.C., to voice their opposition to a proposed arch championed by President Trump. The arch, set to stand 250 feet tall, would be located on the bridge connecting the National Mall to Arlington National Cemetery. Activists, including veterans, retirees, and lawmakers, gathered around a tarp mockup of the arch, which opponents say would be 32 times taller than the model.

Retired Army veteran Jon Gundersen, who is also one of the Vietnam War veterans suing the administration, spoke at the protest organized by Public Citizen. “It’s the wrong monument, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, dedicated to the wrong man,” he declared, underscoring the viewpoint that the project is an inappropriate tribute to veterans.

Gundersen mentioned his bipartisan support, stating, “Anyone I talk to, whether Republican or Democrat, they say it’s a waste of money and it’s not how you honor vets.”

Speakers expressed concern over the arch’s impact on Arlington National Cemetery and criticized the lack of consultation with veterans and gold star families. Senator Tammy Duckworth shared her anger over the proposal, accusing the current president of dishonoring those who have served and sacrificed for the country. Duckworth stated, “I am pissed that the five-time draft dodging coward of a commander-in-chief sitting over there in the White House dares to dishonor the men and women of this country.”

The White House claims the arch will enhance visitors’ experiences at the cemetery, serving as a visual tribute to American heroes. However, protesters argue that funds should prioritize veterans’ services over constructing a triumphal arch. Activists also expressed safety concerns about hosting military drones and snipers in the structure, especially due to its proximity to one of the busiest airport runways.

Representative Don Beyer criticized the plan, accusing Trump of trying to leverage national security to sway the Supreme Court. “Who are the snipers going to shoot—the families at the graves or the tourists at the Lincoln Memorial?” he posed to the crowd.

The National Capital Planning Commission is expected to review the arch proposal in the upcoming November meeting. The National Park Service had previously considered alternate locations but dismissed them, while the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation unexpectedly ended the review process after only two consultations.

Charles Birnbaum, head of The Cultural Landscape Foundation, expressed his shock at the halted review, stating, “They’re going to force this upon the process and they’re going to nullify outside voices.”

On Capitol Hill, efforts to block federal funding for the project were thwarted, although next month’s elections could alter Congress’s stance. Duckworth remains hopeful that a shift in congressional power might halt the arch, expressing that stronger opposition within the GOP is needed.

The protest concluded with participants prepared to continue their resistance, with Julius D. “JD” Spain Sr. vowing to metaphorically “get [his] chisel” if necessary. Congressional action could obstruct the arch’s construction by preventing federal funds from supporting it.