The Trump administration is asserting federal projects are exempt from the Height of Buildings Act, potentially clearing a 250-foot triumphal arch despite congressional pushback and statutory caps.
A significant constitutional and regulatory clash is unfolding as the Trump administration moves to bypass the Height of Buildings Act of 1910. At the center is a proposed 250-foot “triumphal arch” for the United States’ 250th anniversary. The structure, standing nearly double the height of most buildings in the District, has forced a legal reinterpretation of federal authority over Washington’s skyline.
In a newly disclosed memorandum, the Department of the Interior asserted that the Height of Buildings Act serves only as a local zoning ordinance and does not apply to federal buildings. This federal override theory, championed by Trump-appointed National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) chair Will Scharf, suggests the executive branch may ignore the 130-to-160-foot caps that have defined the city’s aesthetic for over a century. The NCPC recently voted 9–1 to advance the project while requesting formal legal justification for this departure from established practice.
However, the administration’s path remains obstructed by technical and legislative hurdles. A 185-page NCPC staff report recommended that preliminary approval be contingent on the arch’s design complying with the existing Act. The report suggests redistributing height between the main structure and statuary rather than claiming a blanket exemption. While the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved a modified design at 250 feet, regulatory hurdles regarding flight paths near Reagan National Airport and views of Arlington National Cemetery remain unresolved.
Congressional resistance has intensified. Six lawmakers warned Interior Secretary Doug Burgum that the executive branch lacks the “power to build” without explicit congressional authorization. They contend the project violates both height limits and the Commemorative Works Act, which mandates that Congress approve new structures on federal land. This challenge highlights the tension between presidential ambition and the statutory constraints intended to preserve the federal district’s historic character.
Beyond the arch, the administration’s legal stance carries broader implications. If the Interior Department’s interpretation stands, it would grant the federal government power to ignore D.C. height restrictions for any future project. This would dismantle a century of urban planning precedent, potentially transforming the capital’s silhouette into a high-rise corridor driven by executive preference rather than legislative consensus.
This domestic policy struggle occurs alongside intense international activity. On July 8, 2026, President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit, announcing plans to purchase Ukrainian drones. Simultaneously, the President signaled a hardline shift in the Middle East, declaring an interim ceasefire with Iran “over” and threatening a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. While these geopolitical shifts dominate headlines, the fight over the D.C. skyline represents a significant effort to expand executive discretion over the administrative state.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.