Trump's Arch Sparks Backlash Over Shadows on Veterans’ Graves: ‘Sickens Me’
Summary
Plans for a proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C., have drawn criticism from families of veterans buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Separate analyses by The Washington Post and VoteVets found that the arch’s shadow could cross tens of thousands of graves during the year, though much of the shadowing would occur before the cemetery opens.Key Facts
- President Donald Trump first unveiled plans for the project, then called the Independence Arch, in October 2025.
- The proposed arch would stand between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, overlooking the Potomac River.
- The Washington Post’s analysis found the shadow could touch more than 75,000 graves on 284 days of the year.
- The Washington Post calculated that the shadow would remain on cemetery grounds after the 8 a.m. opening time on 26 days.
- VoteVets’ modeling found 50,376 mapped grave locations in parts of 29 cemetery sections, along with two memorial areas, could fall within the arch’s full-sun shadow during the year.
- Retired Major General Paul Eaton and Gold Star mother Karen Meredith criticized the proposal, including its planned observation deck.
- Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the arch would honor Arlington Cemetery’s history and significance.
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