Trump says planned 250-foot arch to serve as military complex for drones, snipers

Trump said on his Truth Social platform that he had agreed to convert the planned arch "at the strong request" of the US military and "for National Security purposes."

The planned "Military Complex/Triumphal Arch" will "house, store, and have the rapid ability to use large numbers of drones, plus Snipers, on both the roof and plaza areas," he said.

He added that the facility would store "large quantities of sniper ammunition."

"There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World," he stated.

The administration had previously presented the arch as a tourist attraction commemorating the US' 250th anniversary, with plans including an observation deck, according to Washington Post.

Construction could begin as early as November, while a federal judge is considering a legal challenge seeking to halt the project.

Veterans, advocacy groups and historic preservationists have opposed the project, arguing that the structure would overshadow the nearby Arlington National Cemetery and is too large for the site.

Republican Don Beyer, a Virginia Democrat whose district includes the cemetery and Reagan National Airport, criticized the proposal to use the site for drones.

"Putting a drone launching site directly in the landing path for DCA is a stupid, dangerous, and unworkable idea," the Post quoted Beyer as saying.

The White House did not respond to the newspaper's questions about Trump's announcement, while the Interior Department also did not comment.

A Pentagon spokesperson said there was nothing to add beyond Trump's statement.

The administration has said it does not need congressional authorization for the arch, citing authorization granted by lawmakers about a century ago for a similar project near the site.

Trump administration officials have said they will obtain "all necessary approvals" before construction begins.