Trump Arch Could Wreck Views at Nearly 40 Historic Sites

Sources who spoke to us – and the Park Service – has now identified 37 historic properties which could be “adversely affected”, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, US Capitol, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, National Cathedral and Arlington House.

The assessment forms part of a Section 106 review required under the National Historic Preservation Act before final federal approval, potentially as soon as the National Capital Planning Commission’s September 3 meeting.

Preservation officials have argued the scale and location are central to the problem.

Virginia’s state historic preservation officer wrote in June: “These adverse effects are intentional and inherent in the design of the arch – it is intended to dominate the surrounding landscape.”

A National Parks Conservation Association official said an adverse effect meant creating something that would irreversibly damage the experience of other historic locations.

The official also described the paperwork as showing career officials and political appointees effectively contradicting one another.

The arch would be more than twice the height of the nearby Lincoln Memorial and, according to the assessment, visible from major ceremonial and historic landscapes across the capital.

The Park Service found it could interrupt the planned visual relationship between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, alter views from Arlington Memorial Bridge and become part of the scenery from sections of Arlington National Cemetery.

Officials also identified an obstruction to views from the Eternal Flame at the Kennedy gravesite, which looks toward the Lincoln Memorial.

From the National Cathedral, roughly four miles away, the project could change a view described in official documentation as among Washington’s most magnificent.

The review does not automatically stop the project.

Under Section 106, federal agencies must consider effects on properties listed on, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places and examine ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate harm.

The law does not dictate a particular final decision.

Critics say meaningful alternatives have received too little consideration. Washington’s historic preservation officer proposed a different site on the Anacostia River, south of the Capitol, but the administration is moving toward completing the arch at its selected location before Trump’s term ends.

The proposal also includes an observation deck offering broad views across Washington.

Veterans who oppose the project have raised concerns that visitors looking west from the deck could see funerals and grieving families at Arlington National Cemetery, while construction activity could affect the solemn setting during burials.

The White House has defended the project, saying it would improve the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, bereaved families and other Americans.

It added the arch would serve as a visual reminder of sacrifices made by American service members throughout the country’s 250-year history.

Listed sites include Georgetown Historic District, the Pentagon, George Mason Memorial and Francis Scott Key Bridge.