Main Street Independent

The arch was drawn a year before the public was asked

A small club of insiders pre-wrote the patriotic tribute. Then Trump staffed the panel that approved it.

Editorial cartoon by Hector Rentier: The arch was drawn a year before the public was asked

Source article: Trump's 250-foot Washington arch traces to April 2025 essay by design critic.

Column metadata
Published
Pen name
Editorial Board
Topic tags
government, construction and property, arts, culture, entertainment and media, politics, political process
Storylines
main-street-independent
Primary entities
Donald Trump, Catesby Leigh, Rodney Mims Cook Jr., Harrison Design, Commission of Fine Arts, Memorial Circle, Arlington National Cemetery, National Park Service, National Capital Planning Commission
Themes
public process, memorial design, Washington D.C. development, presidential power, historical preservation
Floor values engaged
Accountability of power, Equality & fairness, Informed citizenship