Construction of President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington could start as early as November 5, 2026, if federal officials sign off on the project.
The timeline was disclosed in a Justice Department court filing submitted Wednesday, as reported by CNN.
The National Capital Planning Commission is set to meet on November 5 and may approve the final plans that day.
According to the filing, work could begin once the commission and the Department of the Interior issue the required authorizations.
The filing came in litigation challenging the monument, which would stand directly across from Arlington National Cemetery.
Opposition From Veterans and Preservationists
Veterans and preservationists are pushing to stop the structure, arguing it would damage the character of surrounding national landmarks.
Nearly 430,000 service members, veterans and their family members are buried at the cemetery.
Opponents contend the towering arch would interfere with the solemnity of funeral services and disrupt views linking the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington House and the Robert E.
Lee Memorial.
The revised plans released last week describe the arch as a ceremonial gateway to the nation's capital.
They omit key military features Trump previously cited, including drones and sniper positions, though the administration has not ruled out including them.
Trump announced in September that the structure would store large numbers of drones, host military snipers and hold a substantial ammunition supply.
An Interior Department spokesperson defended the project to CNN, saying the arch would enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, families of the fallen and all Americans.
Charles A.
Birnbaum, CEO and founder of the Cultural Landscape Foundation, condemned the accelerated schedule and the administration's handling of public feedback.
He said the fast track would shut down the legally required review process and ignore roughly 100,000 negative public comments.
The arch is one of several projects Trump has pursued in an effort to reshape the nation's capital, and the proposed November 5 start depends on outstanding federal approvals.
