Democrat Urges Federal Agencies to Block Plan to Militarise Washington Arch

Congressional opposition is mounting against proposals to equip a planned Washington monument with drones and military personnel.

What's new · 4d agoDemocratic Senator Tammy Duckworth formally requested that the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration block the proposal to militarise the monument.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth has asked the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration to reject Donald Trump's initiative to convert a proposed Washington, D.C. monument into a military installation. Trump previously announced that the planned 250-foot triumphal arch would double as a security complex housing attack drones, snipers, and munitions on national security grounds. The proposal has drawn growing pushback from lawmakers, aviation safety experts, and historic preservationists over potential risks to nearby commercial airspace.

• Senator Tammy Duckworth called on the Pentagon and FAA to deny authorization for turning the proposed arch into a military site.
• Donald Trump stated the 250-foot structure would host snipers, ammunition storage, and military drones under a national security rationale.
• Aviation experts warned that operating drones near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport poses potential safety hazards for commercial air traffic.
• Historic preservationists noted that the shifting scope of the project complicates standard public review and approval procedures.

Written before 2 later updates from the outlets covering this story.

Timeline

1. Sep 18Federal aviation authorities addressed initial safety requirements regarding the proposed monument.
2. Sep 20Donald Trump announced that the planned triumphal arch would double as a military complex housing drones and snipers.
3. Sep 25Senator Tammy Duckworth urged the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration to reject the militarised arch proposal.

In this story

Covered by 13 outlets

• BBC NewsTrump's plans for massive arch move ahead4d ago · open ↗
• CBS NewsDuckworth slams Trump's "foolhardy plan" to make triumphal arch a military complex4d ago · open ↗
• The IndependentA review found that Trump’s arch will harm DC. His appointee just ended the process4d ago · open ↗

Similar stories

• Federal Panel Halts Historic Preservation Review for Monument Project5d ago
• Donald Trump Considers Further White House Demolitions Amid Scrutiny Over Structural Changes11h ago
• Kennedy Center to close as Trump threatens to block repairs over name dispute+81w ago
• US Television Networks Resume White House Coverage After Court Intervention+2322h ago
• Trump’s ballroom architect quit after president dismissed safety concerns with the design: report5d ago
• Donald Trump Cancels Nearly One Billion Dollars in Congressional Spending+523h ago