Target: Doug Burgum, Secretary of U.S. Department of Interior
Goal: Do not proceed with building of expensive and intrusive triumphal arch.
“Of the nearly 1,000 public comments submitted prior to the vote, 100% were against the project.” The project in question involves a massive, sprawling arch the president is trying to push through in Washington, DC. Dubbed the Arc de Trump, the structure – reportedly inspired by France’s Arc de Triomphe – will stand at 250 feet tall. It will also reportedly cost taxpayers at least 15 million dollars.
The president apparently became obsessed with building the world’s tallest arch after advisors suggested to him that other nations – like North Korea and Iraq – have built such structures to celebrate military dominance. Since the idea was first floated, the design has continued to grow in size, in ornate decorations, and in price. Vietnam veterans have already sued to halt the project, arguing it requires Congressional approval and that it would dwarf and interrupt the sight line of iconic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Even the architect who initially first encouraged the arch stated bluntly, “it’s way too big for that site.”
Despite public concerns, a panel overtaken by the president’s appointees gave the greenlight to move the controversial project forward, echoing their previous go-ahead of the equally inflammatory presidential ballroom. Sign the petition below to demand the Department of the Interior not give a rubber stamp to this costly vanity project.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Burgum,
“It would be profoundly out of scale with its surroundings (and) appears to disregard established norms that prioritize harmony with existing structures, preservation of sight lines and respect for the symbolic hierarchy of the capitals and landmarks.” The previous statement was taken from just one of over 1,000 public comments decrying the planned triumphal arch. Vietnam veterans even feel so strongly about this affront that they have filed a lawsuit to halt construction. And taxpayers will not be heartened to know that millions of dollars in funds which could be used to help them in their daily lives is instead being funneled into a decorative ornament the president has already confirmed is mostly for himself.
This department is one of the primary backers of the plan. As such, you must be the one to take all of the very real concerns to heart and give a forceful no to a non-Congressionally approved project that will mar an iconic landscape on the taxpayers’ dime.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Duane Lempke
