Trump is preparing to build a victory arch in Washington without final approval

Washington – The administration of American President Donald Trump is preparing to begin construction of a 76-meter triumphal arch in Washington within two weeks,

The triumphal arch is part of Trump's effort to leave his architectural legacy in the capital. The Republican has already had the east wing of the White House demolished, where he has started building a ballroom, attempted to renovate the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial, and launched a transformation of a public golf course.

"In the next two weeks, we are preparing to begin the necessary excavation work," wrote Burgum. The planned site of construction is the Memorial Circle roundabout, directly opposite the Lincoln Memorial across the Potomac River.

The Lincoln Memorial, which measures 30 meters, would be overshadowed by the arch more than twice its height. The arch would therefore be visible from a number of significant locations in Washington and would alter the character of these sites, which critics of the project argue against.

For example, the construction would disrupt the symbolic connection between the Lincoln Memorial and the military national cemetery in Arlington. It would overshadow views from the tomb of President John F. Kennedy, from General Robert Lee's house, and change the outlook from the National Cathedral.

Although Congress approved the construction of a memorial at the site of the arch more than 100 years ago, Democratic lawmakers argue that a new approval from the legislature is needed for the construction of the arch. The lawsuit to stop the project also argues that Trump needs the consent of Congress.

The triumphal arch has also not yet received final approval from the NCPC. The commission is evaluating whether to grant an exception for a structure whose height exceeds the 40-meter height limit for buildings in Washington. The Trump administration claims that the limit should not apply to the arch.