Preserving a historic religious and civic landmark, the National Cathedral has become part of a preservation and planning debate tied to a high-profile federal infrastructure project proposal and its legal challenge.
The National Park Service has backed the location and scale of Trump’s proposed 250-foot Triumphal Arch, saying it reflects the site’s character and marks 250 years of independence, though it would adversely affect hundreds of historic properties and sightlines around Washington. The report argues alternative sites are not reasonable, while opponents say the arch would transform the National Mall.