Thursday, September 24, 2026·Focal News

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Trump proposes adding drones, snipers and ammunition storage to planned Potomac arch

President Donald Trump says a proposed triumphal arch at the head of Washington’s Memorial Bridge would also serve as a military complex. The announcement adds a national-security rationale to a project already facing scrutiny over its design, cost, approvals and potential traffic impacts.

Trump proposes adding drones, snipers and ammunition storage to planned Potomac arch
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Sunday that his proposed triumphal arch at the head of the Memorial Bridge over the Potomac River would be expanded into what he called a “top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch,” with space for drones, snipers and ammunition storage. Trump announced the change in a post on Truth Social, saying it was made “at the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes.” He did not provide details about which military officials or agencies requested the additions, how the facility would be operated, how much it would cost or how the project would be financed. The proposed monument would stand near Memorial Circle, at the Washington end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Trump said, “There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World.” The Federal Aviation Administration determined Friday that the proposed arch would not pose a hazard to aircraft arriving at or departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The FAA and the Pentagon had not immediately responded to requests for comment. The project has already drawn opposition and concern over its design and the disruption construction could cause in one of the region’s busiest transportation corridors. A National Park Service assessment released in June, before the military features were announced, estimated that construction would take two to three years. Crews were expected to work two 10-hour shifts each day. Adding military functions could further increase questions about the project’s purpose, oversight and public costs. The announcement also echoes the Trump administration’s description of a planned White House ballroom as part of an “integrated military complex” in arguments before the Supreme Court, where officials said delaying that construction would undermine national security. The arch is one of several prominent Washington construction and renovation projects Trump has championed since returning to office for a second term.

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