Veterans Challenge Trump’s Proposed Triumphal Arch Near Arlington Cemetery

Shaun Byrnes, 83, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Vietnam, recently spoke out against the construction of a proposed Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery. Byrnes, along with Public Citizen, a nonprofit advocacy group, is suing the Trump administration to prevent the construction project.

The proposed 250-foot structure would stand in a roundabout close to the entrance of the cemetery where over 400,000 military service members and their families are buried. The Trump administration claims the arch will celebrate American achievements and beautify the nation’s capital. However, critics, including Byrnes, argue that it is a “vanity project” and highlights the disruption of key sightlines from the cemetery to the Lincoln Memorial.

Opponents, joined by Democratic lawmakers, also emphasize that the project lacks necessary congressional authorization, a step President Trump says is not needed. Veterans and an architectural historian initiated a lawsuit on these grounds to block its construction. Byrnes met NPR outside the cemetery, expressing his hope that the arch will never stand.

“There are other important monuments that were constructed after the President’s death in honor of their memories,” Byrnes remarked.

Byrnes values these memories, recalling friends lost in Vietnam, not all of whom are buried in Arlington. He recounted his own service, sustaining injuries in an incident where fellow soldiers were killed. Byrnes later spent three decades in the U.S. Foreign Service, primarily in the Soviet Union, yet he maintains love for his country among his reasons for opposing the arch.

Legal and Procedural Concerns

The lawsuit filed by Byrnes, alongside veterans Jon Gundersen and Michael Lemmon and historian Calder Loth, centers on procedural issues. Nicolas Sansone, their attorney, points to statutory requirements that necessitate congressional approval for new monuments. Sansone disputes the administration’s claim that such approval was granted in 1925.

Concerns were echoed by Evan Cash, a National Capital Planning Commission member. Cash voted against the arch, citing insufficient congressional and public input. Despite some administrative advances, the National Park Service is still accepting public comments until June 15. The public has expressed disapproval extensively.

Public Outcry and Misunderstandings

Nearly 1,700 people commented on the project, many expressing outrage at the proposal. Critics argue that the arch disrespects Arlington’s interred veterans. A range of misunderstandings exists over whom the arch should honor. President Trump once indicated the arch was for him, fueling the criticism.

Marine Corps veteran Jimi Shaughnessy remarked, “An arch is not what they need.”

Major veterans’ groups have not yet publicly stated a position on the issue. Arlington National Cemetery acknowledges the ongoing debate but defers questions to other government bodies.

The Department of the Interior argues that the arch would enhance visitors’ experiences, recognizing American heroes’ sacrifices. However, many insist that truly supporting service members requires government backing for agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs.