WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 01: A replica of President Trump’s planned “triumphal arch” and the U.S. Capitol are seen during the "Great American State Fair" on the National Mall on July 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Freedom 250-backed Great American State Fair celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States runs through July 10th. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) WASHINGTON (7News) — President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery faces a key decision Thursday as a federal planning commission considers whether to approve the project’s final site and building plans. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is scheduled to meet virtually at 1 p.m. to consider the proposal near Memorial Circle. The arch is the only item listed on the meeting’s agenda. The Department of the Interior has said construction could begin immediately after the commission’s vote if the plans are approved. The proposed arch, which would stand near the Arlington Memorial Bridge, has drawn opposition from veterans and local officials who have raised concerns about the approval process and its impact on the historic area. Renderings of a proposed "Triumphal Arch" that President Donald Trump hopes is built between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial, provided on April 10, 2026. (Harrison Design) The vote comes as protesters prepare to gather near the proposed site at 10 a.m. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) is organizing the demonstration with veterans, park advocates, VoteVets and Rep. Don Beyer. Organizers said they plan to erect a 17-foot scale model of the proposed arch made from bamboo. Some of the protesters are also expected to testify before the planning commission during its afternoon meeting. A federal lawsuit filed by D.C. and Virginia on Oct. 31 argues the project lacks required congressional authorization and could affect traffic, public safety and the surrounding historic area. The two jurisdictions are seeking to block construction. According to Reuters, the initial construction phase would focus on excavation and foundation work and could take six to eight months. Above-ground construction would not begin until May 2027 at the earliest.