A federal historic preservation agency announced Thursday it is ceasing efforts to gain cooperation from Virginia and Washington, D.C., on plans for President Donald Trump's triumphal arch, signaling the administration's intent to proceed with the project regardless.

The Advisory Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP), a body whose leadership and members are appointed by the president, stated in a letter to the National Park Service that it is terminating the legally required consultation process with local officials. This consultation aimed to find ways to minimize the adverse effects of the arch, which is slated for construction on National Park Service land near Arlington National Cemetery.

Virginia officials had previously expressed strong opposition, arguing the arch would "mar" the landscape at the foot of Arlington National Cemetery. In a letter to the National Park Service, the state's Department of Historic Resources (DHR) indicated that proposed mitigation efforts would "further highlight how this undertaking has marred rather than added to these spaces." DHR Director of Review and Compliance Samantha Henderson stated that public and agency comments had not been adequately addressed by the National Park Service with the goal of seeking agreement.

The ACHP's decision comes after the National Park Service indicated that alternatives to avoid or minimize adverse effects would fundamentally alter the project's nature and objectives. Federal law mandates that officials attempt to consult with state officials on mitigating harms, but allows for unilateral termination of these consultations if agreement cannot be reached.

Virginia officials specifically called for any interpretive materials at the arch site to focus on the history of sacrifice and honor represented by Arlington National Cemetery and Arlington House. Washington, D.C., officials declined to comment on the arch plan.

The law requires federal agencies to consult with state and local governments on projects that could affect historic properties. While agreement on mitigation is not always mandatory, the consultation process itself is a required step.

The Trump administration has previously acknowledged that the proposed arch would have "adverse effects" on the surrounding landscape. The project, envisioned near Arlington National Cemetery, has faced significant criticism regarding its appropriateness and potential impact on the solemnity of the site.

With the termination of consultations, the path appears clearer for the National Park Service to move forward with the arch's construction, even in the absence of consensus from state and local stakeholders.