UPDATED Sep 5, 2026 at 5:05 PM ET
Sep 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the administration will begin excavation for President Trump’s 250-foot Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck within the next two weeks. The project still needs final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission and required aviation-safety and historic-preservation reviews, while veterans’ lawsuit seeks judicial intervention.
WHO: Interior Secretary Doug Burgum; National Capital Planning Commission; veterans who sued
WHAT: Burgum said excavation work for Trump’s planned arch will begin within two weeks despite pending final approvals and reviews.
WHEN: Reported Sep 4, 2026 at 4:15 PM ET
WHERE: National Mall area, Washington, D.C., USA
WHY: The administration is preparing to start excavation work despite outstanding final approval and federally mandated aviation-safety and historic-preservation reviews.
