NCPC approves Trump-backed triumphal arch plan

Commission backs the plan

The National Capital Planning Commission approved plans Thursday for a triumphal arch championed by President Trump. The proposal places the arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, two prominent sites in the Washington area.

The motion passed 8-4. That vote records the commission’s approval of the project plan and marks a formal step for Trump’s proposed arch. The commission considered the location and proposal during proceedings that lasted nearly nine hours.

Public comments were largely opposed

Before voting, the commission heard more than 100 public remarks. Most of those comments opposed the project, but the commission moved ahead with approval by a four-vote margin.

The public remarks gave residents and other participants an opportunity to address the commission before it acted. The final vote showed disagreement among commission members as well: eight supported the motion and four opposed it.

A prominent proposed location

The planned site would put the arch on the route between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The proposal is identified closely with Trump, who has promoted the idea of constructing a triumphal arch there.

Thursday’s action concerned the commission’s approval of the plans. The project will remain subject to the government processes required before construction at the proposed location can move ahead.