On June 15, 2026, several Democrats and a Senate independent cautioned the Trump administration that by proceeding with the construction of President Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, they could be subjected to fines or criminal prosecution.
An Interior Department spokeswoman described the arch as “a project that all Americans can be proud of”.
The warning was communicated through a letter addressed to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and two National Park Service officials. The letter, signed by Democrats overseeing natural resources and a Senate independent, warned that the administration would breach at least three laws if the project continued without Congressional approval.
Among those signing the document were Senator Angus King, an independent from Maine who aligns with Democrats, and Representative Jared Huffman of California, the House Natural Resources Committee’s highest-ranking Democrat. The letter highlighted strict legal limitations regarding the use of appropriated funds.
“Appropriated funds may be applied only to the objects for which Congress appropriated them,” the letter stated. It warned that officials using unauthorized funds might face “suspension without pay, removal from office, and for knowing and willful violations, criminal fines and imprisonment.”
The lawmakers pointed out that the administration would be violating several laws, including the Commemorative Works Act, which governs monuments on federal land in Washington. A 1912 law prohibiting construction on federal land in the capital without Congress’s express authority, and the Height of Buildings Act, which limits structures to 160 feet, were also cited.
Senator King emphasized the legal clarity by stating, “This project is stone-cold illegal. It is one of the clearest legal cases I’ve seen in more than 50 years of being a lawyer.”