President Donald Trump’s proposal to build a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., is poised to significantly alter the city’s historic landscape, according to an evaluation by the National Park Service. The monument’s size and location would disrupt important sightlines and symbolic relationships among key sites around the capital, including the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the National Cathedral.

The assessment of the arch’s impact on surrounding historic properties is a critical part of the federal review process under the National Historic Preservation Act, which mandates consideration of how federal projects affect sites on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The evaluation, completed in advance of a National Capital Planning Commission meeting scheduled for September 3, highlights potential “adverse effects” on a broad list of historic locations in Washington.

Among the concerns is the arch’s interference with the visual corridor between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House, once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee—a corridor designed to symbolize post-Civil War reunification. The arch would obscure views of the Lincoln Memorial from Arlington House and the Kennedy Gravesite’s Eternal Flame. Observers warn that the arch would also intrude on the solemn approach to Arlington National Cemetery from the Arlington Memorial Bridge, placing a “triumphal” marker at the entrance to one of the nation’s most sacred sites.

Critics argue that the arch’s prominence and proximity to these sites would not only alter their historic character but also the visitor experience. Veterans and preservation advocates have raised concerns about both the monument’s visual dominance and the potential disruption caused by construction, which could last several years with work scheduled nearly around the clock. The arch’s inclusion of an observation deck overlooking the cemetery has prompted additional criticism, as it may invite tourists to overlook funerals and grieving families.

Despite these objections, the Trump administration has indicated it plans to move forward with the project largely as designed. Attempts to reduce the monument’s scale or relocate it—such as a suggested alternative site along the Anacostia River—have not been seriously considered. State historic preservation officers, including Virginia’s Roger W. Kirchen and Washington’s David Maloney, have described the design as intentionally imposing and have criticized the review process as rushed and initiated too late to allow meaningful revisions.

Simultaneously, the administration is advancing changes to historic preservation regulations that would narrow the scope of future reviews by excluding considerations of visual and contextual impacts. If adopted, such reforms would likely negate many of the concerns raised by Park Service officials and preservationists in the current review, focusing instead on physical harm caused by construction.

Supporters of the arch, including White House spokesman Davis Ingle, argue that it will become a new iconic landmark and “enhance the visitor experience” at Arlington National Cemetery by honoring the sacrifices of American service members over the nation’s 250-year history.

Under the current process, once adverse effects are identified, agencies are supposed to explore ways to avoid, minimize, or mitigate those harms. Critics say such measures have not been pursued in this case, with some suggesting the damage to Washington’s cultural landscape is irreversible. If the proposed regulatory changes take effect, the requirement to address such impacts could be eliminated entirely.