Protests in Washington against Trump's arch ahead of final approval vote

In the US capital, Washington, activists gathered near Columbia Island to protest the memorial arch project that US President Donald Trump intends to build, coinciding with the final vote session on approving the project.

Protesters raised banners, some reading "No to the arch," "Sacred land," and "Trump's arrogant arch," and placed a papier-mâché effigy resembling Trump at the protest site.

Congressman James Walkinshaw, a Democrat from Virginia, said in a speech during the rally: "If Donald Trump somehow manages to build this arch, I will not stop until we ensure it is a temporary arch."

Walkinshaw added: "This is an area where we celebrate service and sacrifice for our nation, two things Donald Trump knows absolutely nothing about. We will continue working every day to prevent the construction of this arch and ensure its removal if it is built, God forbid."

For her part, Suzanne Douglas, a member of the organization "Third Act" in the capital region, said the project is "illegal," did not obtain congressional approval, and has no funding, noting that it is being built in a space that would "desecrate Arlington National Cemetery."

Ann Wright, a retired US Army officer, said: "We have to stand bravely and say no, we will not let this happen. And if we have to sit on the bulldozer or stand in front of it, we will do that."

(Source: Agencies)