Key facts
- The National Capital Planning Commission approved preliminary plans for a 250ft arch proposed by Donald Trump.
- A decision on whether the Height of Buildings Act applies to the arch was postponed.
- The Interior Department presented a legal argument that the law does not bind the federal government.
- Eight commissioners voted for preliminary approval, with one against and three abstaining.
- The arch would be located on a traffic circle at the Virginia end of Memorial Bridge.
- The US Commission of Fine Arts had previously approved the arch's design.
The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has given preliminary approval to site and building plans for a 250-foot arch proposed by Donald Trump. The project, intended for a traffic circle at the Virginia end of Memorial Bridge, is one of several initiatives by Trump to reshape parts of the nation's capital. However, the commission deferred a decision on whether the federal Height of Buildings Act applies to the structure.
During the meeting, commissioners heard arguments from the Interior Department, which oversees the federal land for the arch, that the law is not binding on the federal government. Staff had previously recommended approval with modifications to comply with height restrictions. Ultimately, eight of the 12 commissioners, including Chair Will Scharf, voted for preliminary approval, while one voted against and three abstained. A final decision could come at the commission's September meeting.
Opponents testified against the project, citing concerns about its proximity to Arlington National Cemetery, its scale relative to existing memorials, and potential traffic disruptions. They also argued that Congress must approve the arch, a position Trump disputes. The US Commission of Fine Arts had previously approved the arch's design in May. Meanwhile, construction is ongoing at the White House for a $400 million ballroom also being funded partly by public money.