Justice Department says Trump’s proposed arch won’t be finished before his term ends

The U.S. Justice Department told reporters on Tuesday that the 250‑foot triumphal arch that former President Donald Trump wants built in Washington would not be completed until after his second term ends. The department said the project could start excavation and foundation work as early as Thursday, with an initial six‑to‑eight‑month phase focused on those tasks. Above‑ground construction would not begin until May 2027 at the earliest, and total construction time is expected to run between 33 and 39 months. The agency’s estimate means the structure would be finished well beyond the end of Trump’s presidency, adding another layer to the legal challenges the arch faces. The Justice Department’s timeline was reported by The Guardian.

Why it matters

The projected completion date shows the arch would not be finished while Trump is in office, affecting expectations about his ability to see the project through.

Key details

Location

United States · Americas

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

4 Nov 2026, 03:19 IST

Key names

Donald Trump, Trump, DC, Washington

Section

World

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianDoJ says Trump’s proposed 250ft arch would be completed after end of his term 4 Nov, 03:19

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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