(NEXSTAR) – A coalition of military veterans and Democratic lawmakers is mounting an effort to stop construction of the so-called Triumphal Arch, a proposed 250-foot monument touted by President Trump. The pushback comes as the administration targets Nov. 5 for final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.

Planned for a site located between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, the project is intended to serve as a memorial, tourist attraction and military complex capable of storing large drones, snipers and ammunition. Opponents argue the massive structure will overshadow nearby memorial grounds dedicated to fallen service members.

Lawrence MacDonald, co-facilitator of the group Third Act Virginia, is among those preparing to physically oppose the start of construction.

A Vietnam veteran participating in the effort emphasized that public recognition should remain on military members, stating, “Those are the people we should honor.”

Democratic lawmakers are also pushing to halt the project. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, criticized the proposed monument’s design and scope. “It is a symbol of a dictatorship,” Merkley said.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, an Iraq War veteran and the top Democrat on the Senate Aviation Safety Committee, voiced strong opposition to the plan.

“It’s b——-,” Duckworth said during a Thursday protest, highlighting safety risks regarding Washington’s flight corridors. She referenced the January 2025 midair collision between a military helicopter and a commercial airliner that killed 67 people, asking, “Isn’t one deadly crash enough in modern history?”

Federal regulatory agencies have issued differing assessments of the proposed structure. The Federal Aviation Administration concluded that the arch poses no risk to air travel in the area. However, a separate review conducted by the National Park Service found that the project would have adverse effects on historic properties in the surrounding area.

The project has cleared several preliminary reviews. The administration is now targeting Nov. 5 for final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.

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