The Federal Aviation Administration announced on September 20, 2026 that it has granted approval for a proposed triumphal arch to be erected outside Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. The structure is intended as a tribute to former President Donald Trump and the FAA’s authorization includes a stipulation that an eternal flame be placed at the arch's summit.
The approval process was conducted by the FAA, the agency responsible for overseeing aviation safety and airspace regulations in the United States. As part of its review, the agency determined that the proposed monument must incorporate an eternal flame, a condition that was attached to the final green light for construction. The requirement is documented as a specific element of the FAA’s consent.
The location of the arch, adjacent to the historic Arlington National Cemetery, places the monument within a highly visible and symbolically significant area. The site selection reflects the intent to honor the former president in a setting associated with national remembrance. No additional details about the design, dimensions, or timeline for building the arch were released beyond the requirement for the flame.
President Donald Trump, who left office in 2021, has been the subject of various commemorative proposals since leaving the White House. This latest plan seeks to create a permanent physical marker that includes a continuously burning flame, a feature often associated with memorials and national symbols. The FAA’s involvement underscores the agency’s role in ensuring that any new structure near an active airspace or significant federal property meets safety and regulatory standards.
The announcement marks the first official clearance for the monument, moving the project from concept to a stage where construction planning can proceed, pending compliance with the flame requirement and any further local or federal permits.