Construction of 250-feet-tall "Arc de Trump" set to begin in D.C.

The Trump administration plans to break ground on a 250-foot triumphal arch near Washington, D.C.'s National Mall without final federal approval and despite an ongoing lawsuit. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that excavation work will start within two weeks, but the project still needs approval from the National Capital Planning Commission and other regulatory agencies. The arch is part of President Trump's plan to build a monument in honor of his presidency, which has been met with opposition from veterans, local officials, and preservationists who argue it would dominate key views of the capital and is a wasteful use of taxpayer money. A group of Vietnam War veterans has sued to block construction of the arch, citing the lack of congressional authorization and safety reviews. The lawsuit was filed in federal court, where a judge ruled that the Trump administration must provide 48 hours notice before starting any work on the site.