A federal planning commission is expected to approve US President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot memorial arch in Washington on Thursday, despite ongoing lawsuits challenging the project.
According to the Associated Press, the National Capital Planning Commission will consider final approval of the monument, potentially allowing construction to begin as early as Friday.
The arch is part of Trump’s wider plans to reshape Washington, including renovations to public landmarks and recreational facilities.
However, three lawsuits have challenged the project, with opponents arguing it would disrupt historic views between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Critics also argue that the administration must obtain congressional approval before construction begins.
The Trump administration maintains that Congress authorised a monument at the site decades ago.
Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered officials to notify her within an hour of any planning decision as she considers requests to halt construction.
The proposed monument would feature a bronze statue of Lady Liberty, an observation deck, offices and other facilities.
During a recent hearing, Chutkan questioned the urgency of the project, referring to Trump’s “desire to bedazzle the city.”
Government lawyer Robert Stander defended the plans, calling the arch “absolutely a high-priority project”.
The vote comes as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress, potentially bringing greater scrutiny to Trump’s construction projects.
