WASHINGTON — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts approved the design for a 250-foot triumphal arch that President Donald Trump wants built at an entrance to the nation's capital. The approval came despite public opposition to the project.

The commissioners who approved the design were all appointed by Trump. Preliminary surveys and testing of the arch site began last week.

The arch would stand 250 feet, or 76 meters, from its base to a torch held aloft by a Lady Liberty-like figure on top of the structure. The statue would be flanked by two gilded eagles. The phrases "One Nation Under God" and "Liberty and Justice for All" would be inscribed in gold lettering atop either side of the monument. A public observation deck on top would provide 360-degree views of the surroundings.

At 250 feet, the arch would be taller than the Lincoln Memorial, which stands 99 feet, and nearly half the height of the Washington Monument, which stands about 555 feet. Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argued that Washington is the only major Western world capital without such an arch. The Department of the Interior includes the National Park Service, which manages the plot where the arch is proposed to be built.

"The building is beautiful," said Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts.

James McCrery II, vice chairman of the commission, said in April that he preferred the arch without the figures on top, a change that would have reduced its height by about 80 feet, or 24.4 meters. Commissioners were told that Trump considered the suggestion to remove the statue but elected not to pursue the option. McCrery also recommended removing four lions originally envisioned to guard the base of the arch and objected to plans for an underground pedestrian tunnel. Both design elements were removed.

A group of veterans and a historian filed a lawsuit in federal court to block construction of the arch on the grounds that it would disrupt the sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House at Arlington National Cemetery. The lawsuit was filed in federal court.