Hegseth and Mullin rename the triumphal arch as a “generational national defense opportunity”

A slender triumphal arch that the president Donald Trump wants to erect near Arlington National Cemetery would be a “generational defense opportunity” and not just decorative, two of his cabinet secretaries argued Wednesday in court filings.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth And Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin in documents filed with a federal court hearing a challenge to the project, said the 250-foot arch would be used to counter drone attacks and serve as a base for snipers.

“The Ark is a generational national defense opportunity to mitigate these evolving threats,” Hegseth said. “It will be used as a dual-use structure: a major national monument that also incorporates military utility to support territorial defense. »

Mullin said the Secret Service could use the monument to enhance the security of top government officials through increased surveillance.