On September 20, 2026, former President Donald Trump announced a plan to construct a large arch situated between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. The proposed structure is intended to serve as a top‑grade military complex, equipped with drones, sniper positions and ammunition storage facilities.
The arch would be positioned in the narrow corridor separating the iconic Lincoln Memorial from the historic Arlington National Cemetery. According to the announcement, the design calls for a substantial arch that would accommodate advanced military equipment and personnel. The inclusion of drone capabilities, sniper stations and storage for ammunition suggests a multifunctional defense installation.
Trump described the project as a new structure placed near two of the nation’s most recognizable monuments. The proposal frames the arch as a military facility, emphasizing its role in national security rather than as a commemorative or public landmark. By locating the complex in proximity to the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, the plan links contemporary defense objectives with historic sites.
The suggestion forms part of a broader series of ideas put forward by the former president, who has previously floated concepts for new constructions near prominent Washington landmarks. While the details of the arch’s size, construction timeline, or funding sources were not disclosed in the announcement, the focus on military functionality was highlighted as a central feature of the proposal.
No additional information about the next steps for the project, including approvals, environmental assessments or public consultation, was provided at the time of the announcement. The proposal remains a statement of intent by Trump, awaiting further development or response from relevant authorities.