Trump’s Proposed Triumphal Arch Observation Deck Sparks Privacy Concerns for Arlington Families

Military Families Raise Privacy Concerns Over Arch Design

The observation deck overlooks Arlington National Cemetery across the river, bringing deep distress to families burying loved ones on the grounds. Laurie Laplante, whose father-in-law and Navy veteran was buried at the cemetery last year, said she would feel sick if tourists watched or recorded funerals from above. “It’s just the wrong place to put a vantage point because this is very much seeing people on the worst day of their life,” Laplante said.

Andrea Nachman, whose husband rests at Arlington, emphasized the private nature of the services. “It’s not what we in the military families would want – it’s very private, we’re not a sideshow,” Nachman said. Ashley Bernardi, a Gold Star daughter, questioned what rules would govern the platform. “An observation deck sends the message that these funerals are a spectacle,” Bernardi said. A Gold Star family member who requested anonymity noted that the observation level “wasn’t part of the original plans, that wasn’t approved, that wasn’t commented on.”

White House Defends Project Amid Military Opposition

The Trump administration envisions the structure doubling as a military complex, a detail that has added to veterans’ frustrations. Frank Stolba, a veteran and former Navy petty officer who oversaw more than 50 funerals, called the development ridiculous. Vietnam War veteran Ronn Easton criticized the initiative as a vanity project, arguing that the solemn nature of the ceremonies vanishes if people can stand atop a 250-foot structure with binoculars.

Davis Ingle, a spokesperson for the White House, defended the project, stating that the arch “will enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike.” A White House official confirmed that the change for military use will not alter the tourism plans. However, the administration did not answer questions regarding whether protocol changes would be implemented at Arlington to protect family privacy.

Construction Plans and Cemetery Operations

Arlington National Cemetery already operates as a tourist destination with formal and self-guided walking tours, where visitors generally maintain decorum around the over two dozen funerals conducted each weekday. Documents obtained by CNN outline short-term steps proposed by the administration to mitigate disruptions during construction. These measures include controlling temporary construction lighting, coordinating with Arlington to avoid work during funerals, and restricting high-noise hours during services.

Renderings show the observation level on the 5th floor of the arch, while lower floors house security, a ticketing lobby, restrooms, and potential spaces for a gift shop and cafe.