There's widespread opposition to the 250-foot arch President Trump wants to build near the National Mall, which would tower over a historic area already packed with monuments.This week, even Trump's own administration raised concerns.The National Park Service released a document listing 37 historic properties that it says would be adversely affected by the construction of an arch in Memorial Circle, a traffic roundabout just below Arlington National Cemetery."The significance of these properties derives not only from their individual architectural or commemorative importance, but also from their spatial, visual, symbolic, and ceremonial interrelationships," reads the report.The National Park Service findings were released as part of an ongoing review process known as Section 106.
Under this section of the National Historic Preservation Act, federal agencies must evaluate the impact their actions could have on any historic properties and try to minimize harm.The assessment finds that an arch would interfere with dozens of historic sites in the area, particularly the key connection between the Lincoln Monument and Arlington House, the former home of Confederate Gen.Robert E.
Lee."The bridge alignment and associated ceremonial landscape were intended to physically and symbolically unite North and South through a coordinated monumental composition extending across the Potomac River," the report reads.The traffic circle where the arch would sit is right between the two landmarks.Critics say it would not only interfere with that view, but with the solemn atmosphere near the cemetery itself.A group of Vietnam War veterans has already sued to stop the arch's construction, stating that it would be a visual affront and needs congressional approval, which Trump denies and has not sought.The White House insists that Memorial Circle is an ideal place to locate the arch.
In an email to NPR, it called the arch a "fitting addition to the monumental axis between the Lincoln Memor...