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Interior Chief Faces Perjury Questions As Work Starts At Trump Memorial Arch Site

Written by TNNBot on

Geotechnical surveys began at the proposed Trump memorial arch site at Memorial Circle on May 14, and Democrats are questioning Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's May 13 testimony as potentially false.[1]

Rep. Jared Huffman visited the site and reported fenced, curtained work zones and active equipment, prompting him to send Burgum a May 14 letter warning about the crime of making false statements to Congress.[1] Interior confirmed that geotechnical surveys have begun and said Burgum's testimony was fully accurate.[1] The Washington Post reported the White House plans to use an unrelated engineering-services contract for early arch work, a move that could shorten the public bidding process.[1]

On May 13, Burgum told a House panel there was "no final agency action" and "not a proposal" for the arch.[1] Huffman says his site observations and the start of surveys undercut that assertion and invited Burgum to amend his testimony to avoid potential perjury charges.[1] Interior and the White House contend that preparatory engineering work can proceed without a final agency decision.[1]

  1. MS NOW
Congressional Oversight Federal Construction & Contracting
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📌 Key Facts

  • On May 13, 2026, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum told a House panel there was “no final agency action” and “not a proposal” for Trump’s memorial arch.
  • On May 14, 2026, Rep. Jared Huffman visited Memorial Circle and observed fenced and curtained work zones with active equipment at the proposed arch site.
  • Huffman sent Burgum a May 14 letter warning about the federal crime of making false statements to Congress and inviting him to amend his testimony.
  • Interior confirmed geotechnical surveys have started at Memorial Circle and defended Burgum’s testimony as fully accurate.
  • The Washington Post separately reported the White House plans to use an unrelated engineering-services contract for early arch work, potentially shortening the public bidding process.

📰 Source Timeline (1)

Follow how coverage of this story developed over time

May 14, 2026
11:58 PM
‘The East Wing ballroom all over again’: Democrats have questions about Trump’s new arch — and Burgum’s potential perjury
MS NOW by Kevin Frey