President Donald Trump on Sunday provided a new reason behind his proposal to build a 250-foot triumphal arch directly across Arlington National Cemetery, saying the structure would double as a “top grade Military Complex.”
“At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch, planned since the Civil War Era many years ago, at the Receptive Circle adjoining the Arlington Memorial Bridge, into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch, to house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas, and additionally have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.
“There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World,” Trump added.
The new justification comes as the Trump administration is preparing to break ground at the arch site amid ongoing litigation. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said on September 4
Trump’s plan to build the arch has been heavily criticized for several reasons, including its location and potential to obstruct the view of other Washington monuments.
The president has justified the building of the White House ballroom by saying it too would feature military and national security components.
CNN has reached out to the White House and Pentagon for more details about Trump’s plan.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated with additional information.
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