Washington DC - President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that a massive arch he wants to build on a historic location in Washington will double up as a base for drones and snipers.
"At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch… into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch," Trump said in a rambling post on Truth Social.
He explained that the arch will be used "to house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas, and additionally have and hold large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage."
"There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World," Trump continued. "Out of the 59 top cities and Capitals, Washington, DC, IS THE ONLY ONE IN THE WORLD THAT DOES NOT HAVE A TRIUMPHAL ARCH, but it will now and, by far, the greatest of them all!"
The proposed giant structure along the Potomac River near the Arlington National Cemetery is part of Trump's drive to put his personal stamp on the capital. Work is set to kick off on it at some point this month.
The Trump administration has not sought congressional input for such a major change to the US capital. This is a potential issue because, due to its massive size, it would obscure the sight lines between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Since returning to power in January 2025, Trump has launched a series of renovation projects, several of which have led to legal disputes.