Trump officials defend triumphal arch
The gist
Hegseth and Mullin told a federal court the 250-foot arch would aid drone and sniper defense.
The filings precede a judge's hearing and a Nov. 5 planning commission vote.
How it unfolded
- Apr 6, 2026Trump holds a picture of the proposed Triumphal Arch on the South Lawn during the White House Easter Egg Roll.
- 2026 -09Amid legal challenges, Trump shifts his framing and starts calling the planned arch a "military complex."
- Oct 8, 2026Trump defends the proposal, saying 59 major cities and capitals exist and "We are the only one of the 59 cities and capitals without a triumphal arch."