As reports reveal the White House is requesting several veterans groups to back President Donald Trump’s arch project, some groups are denying claims that they are in support of the controversial monument. The final vote hearing is scheduled for November 5, but many are against the arch due to its location and size.
The Washington Post reports that, according to anonymous sources, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans for America First, and other groups are expected to file an amicus brief opposing efforts by some veterans to block construction of Trump’s proposed arch.
Thomas Burke, national president of the Vietnam Veterans of America, told the outlet that his organization and three others planned to remain “neutral” and that he was unaware of the amicus brief. Burke also shared a statement from the four groups saying they did not “endorse or oppose any specific architectural design or proposal.” The statement also called on Americans to stand in solidarity with veterans by supporting a new monument honoring their service in Memorial Circle.
Judge Tanya Sue Chutkan, an appointee of President Barack Obama who was selected in 2014, is reviewing a lawsuit filed by three Vietnam War veterans who argue that the proposed arch would disrupt the experience of visitors to Arlington National Cemetery and undermine the historical significance of nearby monuments. The 250-foot structure is proposed for Memorial Circle, near the cemetery.
Jay Kalner, president of the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Northern Virginia chapter, told The Post on Tuesday that he and other local VVA leaders oppose the arch. The National Parks Conservation Association, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the American Institute of Architects and other groups filed an amicus brief arguing that the project requires explicit congressional approval. They argue that a century-old authorization cited by Trump officials applies to a different project and does not apply to his proposal.
Trump’s proposed arch is grandiose. The proposed arch would be an imposing, 250-foot-tall concrete structure with an opening 55 feet wide. If approved, it would stand more than twice the height of the nearby 99-foot Lincoln Memorial. According to USA Today, two gilded eagles would sit atop the arch’s legs, while a gilded, winged figure holding a torch would crown the structure. Positioned across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, the arch would create a striking visual presence near the nation’s historic landmarks.
The plans extend beyond the monument itself. The 166-foot-wide structure would include an observation deck overlooking the surrounding area, with six stairways and five elevators providing access to interior spaces and public areas. The proposed development would also feature a plaza, granite pavers, landscaping, a stone seating wall and illuminated pedestrian crosswalks.
