As Trump's proposed arch looms over D.C., protesters pin their hopes on the midterms

Dozens of demonstrators gathered at Memorial Circle in Washington on Thursday morning to oppose President Trump's plan for a 250-foot arch planned for that spot near Arlington National Cemetery. Veterans, retirees and lawmakers objected to its size, cost, missing congressional approval and closeness to the graves, speaking beside a tarp mockup that stands a fraction of the planned height. Jon Gundersen, a retired Army veteran and former Foreign Service officer, is among the Vietnam War veterans suing over the project in a case led by Public Citizen, which helped organize the event. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said the money would be better spent on veterans' services, while Rep. Don Beyer, D-Va., suggested Trump expects to lose in court and is invoking national security as a result. The White House says the structure will honor American heroes' sacrifices, according to NPR.

Meanwhile, the administration told preservation groups on Tuesday it would proceed with the original proposal, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation ended its review in late September after two meetings. Its recommendations go to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum by Oct. 7, and the National Capital Planning Commission is expected to take up the arch in early November.

Summarized by PolitiKool from NPR’s reporting. Read the full story at NPR →