President Trump on Sunday took to Truth Social to disparage protesters who gathered in Washington last week to oppose his proposed triumphal arch, questioning their employment status. "Do these people not have jobs?" he wrote, alongside images of the demonstrators, one of which featured Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a vocal opponent of the project.
The arch, a $250 million structure slated for Memorial Circle in the nation's capital, has drawn sharp criticism from veterans' groups, local residents, and some lawmakers. Detractors label it a "vanity project" and argue it would obstruct views of Arlington National Cemetery, a hallowed ground. Protesters' signs carried messages such as "veterans over vanity" and "arch of corruption," with one reading "sacred space no snipers," referencing Trump's assertion that the arch would serve as a military hub for drone docking and sniper perches.
Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran and former Army helicopter pilot, has been a leading critic, warning that the structure could complicate Washington's already congested airspace. Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Trump's post.
The project has also faced opposition from Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), who last month expressed reservations about using Pentagon funds for the construction. "If it was my choice, I wouldn't put any of that money into the arch," Simpson told reporters, citing the military's existing budget shortfalls.
Despite the backlash, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, composed entirely of Trump-appointed panelists, approved the design earlier this year. A group of Vietnam War veterans subsequently filed a lawsuit to halt construction, arguing the arch would desecrate the area's memorial character.
The arch is part of a broader slate of renovation projects Trump has championed since returning to the White House. These include overhauling the White House ballroom, demolishing the East Wing, upgrading the Rose Garden and helipad, revamping the Kennedy Center, and installing statues on Freedom Plaza. Critics see these initiatives as self-aggrandizing, while supporters frame them as efforts to beautify the capital.
The controversy has also drawn attention to allegations of fund diversion for such projects, with some accusing the administration of prioritizing vanity over pressing needs. Meanwhile, Trump's social media post has reignited debate over his use of advertising and public messaging to shape public perception. The president's combative tone echoes his clashes with celebrity critics and his tendency to dismiss opponents as out of touch.
As the legal challenge proceeds, the fate of the arch remains uncertain. The next court hearing is scheduled for later this month, and both sides are preparing for a protracted battle. For now, the president's remarks have further polarized an already contentious issue, with supporters rallying behind his vision and opponents vowing to continue their fight.
