U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that his proposed triumphal arch in Washington, D.C., will also serve as a military complex, equipped to accommodate drones and snipers.
Trump made the announcement on Sunday in a social media post, saying the change was made at the “strong request” of the U.S. military and for national security purposes.
The planned 250-foot, or 76-metre, arch is to be built near Memorial Circle, close to the Arlington Memorial Bridge and Arlington National Cemetery.
Trump said the facility would have the capacity to deploy large numbers of drones, while sniper positions would be located on the roof and plaza areas. He also said it would store large quantities of sniper ammunition.
The announcement comes as the proposed monument faces legal challenges and opposition from veterans and historic-preservation groups, who argue that the project requires congressional approval and could affect the historic character and views around Arlington National Cemetery.
The Pentagon has said it has no information beyond Trump's announcement, while the White House has not provided further details on the military requirements for the proposed facility.
The project is part of Trump's broader plans to reshape Washington, D.C., and is expected to undergo further federal review before construction can proceed.
