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Politics

Trump's proposed arch faces lawsuits and disputed shadow analysis

A Washington Post 3D model reportedly shows shadows over memorials and graves; the Interior Department calls the analysis flawed.

Updated Oct 30, 2026 · 12:24 UTC3 reports

The short version

  • A Washington Post 3D model reportedly shows Trump's proposed 250-foot arch casting shadows over memorials and graves each year.[The Washington Sun]
  • The Interior Department calls that analysis flawed, saying its own modeling shows less than two weeks of shadow on the open cemetery.[The Washington Sun]
  • Three Vietnam War veterans, a historian, and Arlington County have sued, and Judge Tanya Chutkan is set to hear arguments on an injunction.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • Officials Markwayne Mullin and Pete Hegseth allege the arch would support counter-drone defense, though submitted design plans omit drones.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]

Key facts

  • The Washington Post's digital 3D model indicates Trump's proposed 250-foot arch would cast shadows over presidential memorials, war monuments, and thousands of graves each year.[The Washington Sun]
  • The Interior Department called the Post's analysis flawed and said its own modeling shows less than two weeks of shadow over a portion of the open cemetery.[The Washington Sun]
  • Construction could begin November 5 pending final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is set to hear arguments on a preliminary injunction that would stop the arch's construction.[CBS News]
  • Three Vietnam War veterans and a historian sued to stop the project, arguing it was rushed and lacks proper congressional approval.[CBS News]
  • Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in court filings that the arch could support military and Secret Service defense against drone attacks.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • Final design plans submitted to a federal review board earlier this month make no mention of drones, drone detection sensors, or national security concerns.[The Washington Sun]
  • Arlington County sued in federal court in Virginia, arguing the administration failed to complete a legally required environmental review.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]

What remains uncertain

  • The shadow analysis is disputed, because the Post's model and the Interior Department's modeling reach different conclusions.[The Washington Sun]
  • Whether the court grants a preliminary injunction is unknown, since the outcome of the scheduled hearing has not been reported.[CBS News]
  • The drone-defense rationale appears in sworn filings, but submitted design plans do not mention drones, and the claim has not been independently verified.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]
  • The November 5 construction start depends on final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, which has not yet occurred.[CBS News · The Washington Sun]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.