area group pushes back on Trump’s plan for arch near Memorial Circle
WTOP • • general
Key Points:
- A group affiliated with Third Act protested President Donald Trump's planned construction of a large arch near the Lincoln Memorial, arguing it disrupts a historic sightline and is inappropriate for the location.
- The protest included a three-day demonstration with signs and events, highlighting opposition to the arch and honoring Memorial Day.
- The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts recently approved the arch design, which features an observation deck and phrases like "Liberty and Justice for All," with construction permits secured by the National Park Service.
- The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing potential flight risks due to the arch's proximity to Reagan National Airport, and the project's funding is expected to come from both taxpayer and private sources.
- Protesters emphasized preserving the historic beauty of Washington, D.C., and expressed concerns that the arch is a vanity project rather than a fitting memorial.