Trump's arch may break ground without final approval. Veterans are trying to stop it

“The Trump administration is poised to begin excavation for a 250‑foot arch on the National Mall, even though it still lacks final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission and other federal review bodies. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that work could start within two weeks, a move that has drawn criticism from veterans who sued over the project and from historic‑preservation advocates who argue the process is being rushed. The arch, which the White House says honors the nation’s 250th anniversary, has already cleared a federal hurdle but faces ongoing legal challenges and public opposition. Expert Analysis: This premature start could set a precedent for bypassing established review protocols, potentially eroding trust in federal oversight and opening the door for future projects to sidestep environmental and historic‑site safeguards, which may affect future public‑space developments nationwide.”