Rep. Don Beyer said equipment at Trump’s proposed 250-foot arch site in Virginia suggests the administration may be preparing to proceed. Workers described archaeological soil checks; federal orders require advance notice for site activity and construction.
Beyer went to Columbia Island on Thursday after constituents reported construction vehicles. Workers operating heavy equipment told him they were conducting archaeological work to assess soil composition but could not say whether the work preceded construction. Judge Tanya Chutkan’s order requires 48 hours’ notice before any activity at Memorial Circle, except work to identify underground archaeological resources; an April consent order separately requires 14 days’ notice before construction or demolition.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, which is participating in the Section 106 review, moved to end consultations with state and local preservation officials and send its recommendations to the Interior Department. It said the review would conclude once Interior Secretary Doug Burgum responds. Virginia and D.C. preservation offices said they could not sign off without further study of effects on Arlington National Cemetery and nearby landmarks. Trump said in a Sunday Truth Social post that the arch would also house drones, snipers and ammunition at the military’s request.
