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) — The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has given final approval on plans to build a 250-foot Triumphal Arch near Arlington Cemetery after a several-hour-long hearing, in an 8-4 vote. Lawyers for the Trump administration have told the court that the plans for the project would move forward within hours after the NCPC's approval, but it still faces several legal challenges from veterans and leaders from Virginia and D.C. The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) met virtually at 1 p.m. to consider the proposal near Memorial Circle. The arch was the only item listed on the meeting’s agenda. More than 100 people signed up to speak, many of whom were vehemently against the arch, and the meeting continued into the evening Thursday. Testimony wrapped up at around 10 p.m. after several glitches. "This arch would dishonor America, our ideals and our laws; we should honor the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by upholding the rights of the American people and their votes Tuesday night rather than indulging a president who thinks he’s a king," said California Rep. Jared Huffman, who was the first person signed up to speak. After hearing the testimony, the Trump-picked board said they believed the memorial was an adequate way to recognize veterans and America's 250th birthday. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, who sits on the board, argued the plans were incomplete as they provided little detail of the president's proposed military complex. Mendelson moved to postpone the vote until December, but other board members said the vote needed to happen Thursday night. Before public testimony Thursday, the Park and Planning Commission gave its final recommendations for the arch. The commission approved the site, which is in lockstep with the Trump Administration. They argue Congress authorized a monument at Memorial Circle more than 100 years ago when it approved construction of a bridge across the Potomac River. NPPC also approved the height of the project, which would stand more than 250 feet tall, a nod to America's 250th birthday. They also noted the arch would not get in the way of air travel. "It is fundamentally at odds with the intent of the 1925 act, which is still in effect," said Mark Paoletta, chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission. "It dishonors our veterans, leaves a key gateway to Arlington Memorial Cemetery open; this is a national disgrace." The Department of the Interior has said construction could begin immediately after the commission’s vote if the plans are approved. The administration acknowledged late Thursday that some grass was painted at Memorial Circle and the work was done without a go-ahead from the National Park Service. 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) Demonstrators gathered near the proposed site Thursday morning. 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. 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. Federal attorneys were required to submit notices to the court regarding any progress on the project. Those documents were filed shortly after 10:50 p.m. 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. AI concerns and election fallout fueled Wall Street's swings this week.