Trump made the announcement on Sunday, September 20, 2026, saying he had agreed to the change at the “strong request” of the US military and for national security purposes.
In a post on his social media platform, Trump said the structure would be designed to store and rapidly deploy large numbers of drones, while providing positions for snipers on the roof and plaza areas.
The proposed arch is planned near the Arlington Memorial Bridge, across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, and close to Arlington National Cemetery. The structure is expected to stand about 250 feet, or 76 metres, high.
The Pentagon did not provide an independent explanation for the proposed military use. A US military official told Reuters that the Defense Department had nothing to add beyond Trump's statement, while the White House did not immediately respond to questions about the announcement.
The announcement represents a significant change in the public description of the project. The arch had previously been presented primarily as a monumental structure intended to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The project has faced opposition from veterans, preservationists and other critics, who have raised concerns about its size, location and potential impact on historic views between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Legal challenges against the project are also continuing. A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to provide advance notice before carrying out activity at the proposed site, while opponents argue that the project requires additional legal approval.
The proposed location has also attracted attention because of its proximity to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration has said the structure would not pose a hazard to aircraft provided that an “eternal flame” is included at the top.
Trump has not publicly identified a specific security threat that would require drones, sniper positions or ammunition storage at the arch.
For now, the confirmed development is that Trump has announced plans for the proposed triumphal arch to incorporate military functions. The extent to which those changes will be incorporated into the final design remains subject to further reviews and the ongoing legal challenges.
