The Trump administration has reportedly considered leveraging an existing White House contract to initiate work on President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot 'Triumphal Arch,' despite the monument being located more than a mile away across the Potomac River. According to an email obtained by The Washington Post, National Park Service acting director Jessica Bowron suggested extending a current agreement with AECOM Services—originally for White House grounds maintenance—to cover environmental assessments for the arch project.
Email Correspondence Reveals Plan
In the April 22 email, Bowron wrote to an official in the Executive Office of the President, acknowledging the geographical discrepancy: 'I realize it’s a little further afield than Lafayette Park, but given the engagement on this project from the [White House], I thought I’d check.' The recipient reportedly replied, 'Yes of course.' The correspondence also indicated Bowron's concern that AECOM had not deployed its top personnel for existing White House contracts, which total approximately $695 million for work including the ballroom, visitor screening center, and Lafayette Park upgrades.
Contracting Concerns Raised
Using an unrelated contract to fast-track the arch would bypass the standard competitive bidding process, which is designed to ensure transparency and fair pricing. Contracting expert Alan Chvotkin told the Post, 'You lose the benefits of competition, pricing and transparency.' The Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, dismissed the report as based on draft conversations, stating, 'That assertion on contract sourcing is incorrect. Any correspondence that has been leaked to the Washington Post was draft/deliberative conversations and is not the final determination.'
Project Status and Opposition
It remains unclear whether the administration proceeded with the contract extension. Survey work on the arch began on Monday, with workers and heavy machinery visible at the site. The arch project is part of Trump's broader efforts to reshape Washington's landmarks ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Other actions include demolishing the White House East Wing, renaming and remodeling the Kennedy Center, and awarding a no-bid contract for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool resurfacing.
Legal Challenges Mount
These initiatives have sparked lawsuits and public backlash. A group of veterans, led by U.S. Army veteran Michael Lemmon, is suing to block the arch, arguing it obstructs the 'historically significant view' between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. Lemmon stated in February, 'The President’s planned arch will be a continuous visual affront to this principle and a personal affront to people, like me, who have fought for this Nation.' Last month, the Commission of Fine Arts approved the arch despite acknowledging that public comments were '100 percent' negative. The Independent has contacted the White House and AECOM for comment.
