Articles

Originally published in WJLA7

Virginia Rep. Don Beyer is criticizing President Donald Trump’s latest plan for a proposed 250-foot arch in Arlington after Trump said the structure could also be used as a military complex.

Trump said Sunday in a Truth Social post that the proposed “Triumphal Arch” near the Arlington Memorial Bridge would be converted for national-security purposes. He said it could house and deploy large numbers of drones, as well as snipers and sniper ammunition.

Beyer, a Democrat whose Northern Virginia district includes Arlington National Cemetery and Reagan National Airport, called the proposal dangerous on Tuesday.

“Putting a drone launching site directly in the landing path for DCA is a stupid, dangerous, and unworkable idea,” Beyer said in a statement.

He said the Federal Aviation Administration would need to revisit its safety review if the structure’s use changes to include drone launches. Beyer also raised concerns about storing ammunition near tourists, commuters, Metro riders and cyclists.

The FAA on Friday issued a “determination of no hazard to air navigation” for the arch proposal, according to Beyer’s office. Beyer said that review did not account for the arch potentially being used as a launch site for drones.

Trump’s proposed arch would be built at Receptive Circle near Arlington Memorial Bridge, directly across from Arlington National Cemetery.

The administration is preparing to break ground as legal challenges continue, with opponents arguing the project would harm views of nearby landmarks and violate historic-preservation laws.

Beyer is leading congressional efforts to stop the project. His proposed Arlington National Cemetery Viewshed Protection Act would prohibit construction of the arch.