The Trump administration has informed a federal judge that construction on the president’s controversial 250-foot triumphal arch could begin as early as November 5, 2026.
The Justice Department made the disclosure in a Wednesday evening court filing, revealing that the National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to meet on that same date.
According to the filing, the NCPC could sign off on final plans for the arch at the November 5 meeting, potentially clearing the way for an immediate construction start.
The Justice Department stated: “construction or demolition in preparation for construction of an arch on Memorial Circle could commence immediately upon the National Park Service publishing a notice of that authorization on its Planning, Environment and Public Comment website.”
The filing further noted that final authorization from the Department of the Interior would also be required before any ground is broken on the site.
The arch is planned for the island situated between Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most prominent locations in the nation’s capital.
The administration released final plans for the structure last week, describing it as a “ceremonial gateway” to Washington rather than a national security installation.
Notably, those final plans excluded key features of a military complex, including drones and snipers, which President Donald Trump had previously cited as justification for the project.
The revised plans describe a structure topped by a winged statue holding an eternal flame torch, flanked on either side by two eagles.
Wednesday’s court filing was submitted in connection with one of several active lawsuits seeking to halt construction of the arch before it can proceed.
The administration’s move signals an intent to begin construction before a court is likely to rule on whether the government has the legal authority to build the monument at that location.
To meet Trump’s timeline for completion before he leaves office, construction would need to run approximately 20 hours a day across the next two to three years.
