Block Trump’s Memorial Arch Before It Stains Arlington’s Ceremonial Approach

CONGRESS MUST ACT NOW BEFORE THIS UNAUTHORIZED PROJECT GAINS IRREVERSIBLE MOMENTUM As your constituent, I urge you to oppose President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch at Memorial Circle and to state publicly that it cannot lawfully proceed without explicit Congressional authorization. This giant triumphal monument would be imposed at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery, one of the nation’s most solemn ceremonial landscapes, where sacrifice, mourning, and national service - not triumphal spectacle - should define the setting. MEMORIAL CIRCLE MUST NOT BE USED FOR PRESIDENTIAL LEGACY PROJECTS This is not a modest memorial. It is a towering neoclassical arch topped with a gilded winged figure and decorated with golden eagles, lions, patriotic inscriptions, and viewing areas. At this scale, it would dominate Memorial Circle and compromise the dignity of the ceremonial approach between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. CONGRESS MUST ENFORCE ITS OWN AUTHORITY BEFORE THIS MOVES FORWARD Federal law requires a sponsor “authorized by law” before the construction-permit process for a commemorative work in Washington and its environs can proceed. Congress therefore should not allow agencies to treat design review as a substitute for legislative approval. Critics and lawmakers are already arguing that this project lacks the authorization federal law requires. CONGRESS MUST CUT OFF THE MONEY, THE PROCESS, AND THE MOMENTUM If Congress waits while agencies continue processing this proposal, bureaucratic momentum will build around a project that critics already argue is unlawful. Congress should stop that momentum now. It should cut off the funding path, press for immediate disclosure of the legal and financial record, and make clear that no agency may move this project forward unless Congress first authorizes it by law. YOUR OFFICE SHOULD TAKE THESE STEPS NOW (1) State publicly that Congress has not authorized this arch and that no agency may lawfully proceed as if authorization exists. (2) Support or introduce an appropriations rider barring any federal funds from being used to review, approve, design, site, permit, fund, or construct this arch. (3) Support or introduce legislation expressly prohibiting construction of this arch at Memorial Circle unless Congress later authorizes it by law. (4) Press for immediate production of all legal memoranda, contracts, interagency communications, and funding records relating to the project before any further review or expenditure occurs. (5) Press for formal hearings and request a GAO investigation into whether any agency action or spending on this project violates statutory requirements or appropriations limits. Thank you.