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Protesters Rally in D.C. Against President Trump's Proposed Triumphal Arch
WASHINGTON — Activists launched a series of demonstrations over Memorial Day weekend to push back against President Donald Trump's proposed Triumphal Arch, erecting a mock installation near the National Mall to highlight their opposition to the project.
The three-day protest, organized by local activist group Third Act DMV, features a rotating schedule of rallies, marches, and vigils. The demonstrations follow a recent decision by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, which unanimously approved the final design concept and site plan for the project. The massive monument is slated for construction at Memorial Circle, positioned near the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.
To illustrate their concerns, protesters built a 17-foot-tall mock arch just north of the Lincoln Memorial. Organizers pointed out that the actual proposed Triumphal Arch will stand a staggering 250 feet tall, a scale opponents argue will permanently disrupt the historic, unobstructed view corridor connecting the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
More than 50 people participated in the opening day of demonstrations, marching across the Arlington Memorial Bridge carrying signs with slogans like "86 the Arch" and "Arch Insanity." Many attendees expressed deep frustration over the multi-million-dollar project, arguing that the taxpayer funds allocated for the monument should instead be prioritized for urgent national needs, such as infrastructure development.
Beyond the aesthetic and financial objections, opponents contend that the project violates existing federal laws restricting new construction on protected parkland within the nation's capital. Local residents and organizers also raised ethical concerns regarding the nature of the monument itself.
"Building monuments to a living president is not appropriate," said Susan Douglas, an organizer with Third Act Virginia. "Monuments should be built for people after their legacy has been established."
With demonstrations drawing steady participation, organizers announced they are expecting an even larger crowd for a primary rally scheduled to take place on Monday.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
May 25, 2026
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