FAA mandates eternal flame on Trump arch

The Federal Aviation Administration said on Saturday that President Donald Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C. would need an “eternal flame” on top to warn pilots. The FAA’s statement added that the flame would be a non‑standard marker and that floodlights would point toward the arch. The announcement came after Trump announced his plan for a monument on the National Mall during a press briefing at the White House.

The arch is part of a broader effort by Trump to leave a lasting legacy. He has suggested a large, gold‑leafed structure that would stand near the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. The site sits close to several flight paths used by commuter and general aviation aircraft. FAA rules require any structure that could interfere with aircraft to be clearly marked. The agency has issued similar warnings for other tall objects, such as the Washington Monument’s 1,000‑foot height and the new “D” on the Capitol dome. Trump’s design is taller than the existing monuments, raising safety concerns for pilots flying low over the Mall.

FAA officials said the flame would be a permanent marker that pilots could see from the air. The agency also wants floodlights to point at the arch so it is visible at night. The FAA’s conditions are part of its standard review process for new structures. Aviation groups have mixed reactions. Some say the arch could be a tourist attraction, while others warn that any new tall object could create a hazard. The FAA will evaluate the design for compliance with the 14 CFR Part 77 regulations that govern structures that may affect air navigation. The agency’s decision is one of many steps before the arch could be built.

If the FAA approves the flame and lighting, the arch would still need congressional approval and a construction permit. Trump’s administration has said it will seek funding in the next fiscal year. Critics say the cost could be high and that the monument would add to the visual clutter of the Mall. Supporters argue it would be a symbol of the Trump era. The FAA’s decision is a reminder that even symbolic projects must meet safety standards. The next FAA meeting will review the final design, and the outcome will shape whether the arch becomes part of Washington’s skyline.