Rep. Beyer Challenges Funding For Trump Triumphal Arch Proposed At Arlington Cemetery Gateway

WASHINGTON, DC — Several House Democrats are demanding answers from the Trump administration regarding the use of $15 million in federal funds for the construction of a Triumphal Arch, a project proposed for the Memorial Bridge at the entrance to Arlington and Arlington National Cemetery.

In a letter sent to President Donald Trump and William English, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, lawmakers expressed concern that taxpayer dollars are being redirected from established cultural programs to the monument.

The inquiry was led by Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nevada) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine). They were joined by Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virginia), whose district includes Arlington and Alexandria, along with Reps. Jared Huffman (D-California) and Steve Cohen (D-Tennessee).

Read The Full Text Of The House Democrats' Letter

As the representative for the local communities directly impacted by the project’s proposed location, Beyer joined his colleagues in demanding that the administration cease funding for the arch. The lawmakers requested clarity on the use of NEH funds and urged the prompt distribution of appropriated money to local humanities councils and libraries.

The dispute centers on the NEH’s fiscal year 2026 spend plan, which allocated $2 million in special initiative funds and $13 million in matching grants to the arch. Lawmakers noted that the administration previously stated the project would be funded through private donations.

“A construction project of this nature, especially one previously described by President Trump as privately funded, falls well outside the intended use of NEH program funding,” the lawmakers wrote. “Allocating funds to a project that has no legal basis to proceed is an abuse of taxpayer dollars.”

The lawmakers also alleged the project violates the Commemorative Works Act, which governs the placement of monuments in the capital region. They questioned why the administration has not notified congressional committees regarding the siting of the project in “Area I,” a designation for the central core of the District of Columbia and its immediate surroundings, including the gateway to Arlington.

The funding shift comes amid a reported financial crisis for state humanities councils. While Congress approved $65 million for these councils, the letter states the NEH has yet to distribute the funds. According to the lawmakers, the delay has led to layoffs and frozen grant programs at local organizations currently preparing for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

“These institutions form the backbone of American civic and cultural life; redirecting their funding to a project that neither aligns with NEH’s mission nor reflects congressional intent risks real and immediate harm to communities nationwide,” the letter stated.

The lawmakers requested a full list of private donors, a total cost estimate for the arch, and an explanation of the legal authority used to issue the grants.