Why Trump wants to turn Washington ‘Triumphal Arch' into military base

United States President Donald Trump wants to turn his planned triumphal arch in Washington into a military complex capable of housing drones, snipers and ammunition.

The 250-foot structure, inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, is planned near Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington.

Trump said Sunday that he agreed to expand the project at the “strong request” of the military for national security purposes.

Under the new plan, drones would be stored at the complex and could be deployed quickly if needed. Snipers could be positioned on its roof and plaza, while ammunition would also be kept there.

The 47th POTUS did not reveal the specific threat the facility would be designed to counter.

The plan has already attracted questions over why another military facility is needed there.

The Pentagon is about two miles away, while Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall is roughly a mile from the proposed site.

Retired Marine Colonel Mark Cancian told Reuters that the military justification was difficult to understand given those existing facilities.

The arch was originally proposed to mark America's 250th anniversary but has faced legal challenges over its location and impact on Washington's historic landscape.

A federal judge has ordered the administration to give 48 hours' notice before beginning work at the site.

Its location near Reagan Washington National Airport has also raised concerns, although the Federal Aviation Administration recently cleared the structure on the condition that it carries an “eternal flame” to make it visible to pilots.