Donald Trump's administration achieved important progress in one of its most ambitious and controversial projects to transform the image of Washington. The Fine Arts Commission approved a plan to build a 250-foot-tall (76-meter-tall) monumental arch near Arlington National Cemetery, a proposal that has drawn criticism for its size, symbolism and potential visual impact on one of the most sensitive areas of the U.S. capital.

According to information published by The New York Times, the project received the green light despite the objections of historians, civil organizations and war veterans, who consider that the structure could alter the solemn character of the area near the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington.

A monument promoted directly by Trump

The arch is part of President Trump's vision to remodel certain iconic spaces in Washington. The structure would include enormous golden eagles, a winged angel on top and other decorative elements inspired by classical European monuments.

Although the committee recommended removing some ornamental figures, such as the golden lions placed at the base, Trump refused to remove the main sculptures that crown the monument.

“The purpose of the arch is to celebrate 250 years of greatness, freedom and posterity of the United States,” said architect Nicolas Leo Charbonneau during the presentation of the project.

The president of the Fine Arts Commission, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., defended the proposal and assured that Washington “is not a static city” and must evolve with new works that represent the country's modern history.

The approval also reflects Trump's growing influence over federal agencies related to architecture and urban design. In recent months, the president replaced members of the commission with people close to his administration.

Criticism over the design and use of public funds

Despite progress, the project faces strong resistance. Historical preservation organizations consider that the arch is excessively ostentatious and breaks with the traditional aesthetics of the capital.

Elizabeth Merritt, deputy legal director for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, warned that the monument could visually dominate Arlington National Cemetery.

“The arch, as proposed, would overshadow one of the most important memorial spaces in the country,” he said.

Additionally, a group of Vietnam War veterans filed a lawsuit arguing that construction lacks specific authorization from Congress. According to the plaintiffs, the project violates the Memorial Works Act of 1986, which regulates how these types of federal monuments must be approved.

The Trump Administration maintains that a legislative authorization granted almost a century ago to install monumental columns in the area is still in force and allows the work to move forward.

The project still faces obstacles

Although the Fine Arts Commission approved the preliminary design, the arch's future is not yet assured. The proposal must undergo new reviews before the National Capital Planning Commission and also faces technical evaluations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA is analyzing whether the structure could pose an aerial risk due to its proximity to Reagan National Airport and a Pentagon heliport.

For critics, the arch represents an excessive project loaded with personal worship. For Trump and his allies, however, it is a monument intended to celebrate American history and power.