Trump Administration to Reinstall Two Confederate Statues

August 7, 2025

The Trump administration is moving forward with plans to reinstall two Confederate monuments, one in Washington, DC, and another at Arlington National Cemetery. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the return of Moses Ezekiel's "Reconciliation Monument" to Arlington, while the National Park Service is preparing to restore Albert Pike's statue in DC by October. Both actions are aligned with Trump's executive orders to "beautify the nation's capital" and "restore truth and sanity to American history.

Who is affected

Visitors to Washington, DC, and Arlington National Cemetery
Americans with differing views on Confederate monuments and their historical significance
The Black community and those who view these monuments as symbols of racism and slavery
Veterans and military personnel at Arlington National Cemetery
Residents of areas where these monuments are being reinstalled

What action is being taken

The National Park Service is repairing and reinstalling the Albert Pike statue in Washington, DC, with a target completion date of October
The Defense Department is planning to return the "Reconciliation Monument" to Arlington National Cemetery near Moses Ezekiel's burial site
The Army is refurbishing the Arlington monument for display in 2027
Defense Secretary Hegseth is rolling back Biden-era name changes related to Confederate symbols
DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is reintroducing a bill to permanently remove the Pike statue

Why it matters

The reinstallations reflect the ongoing national debate about how to address Confederate symbols and America's history of slavery
The monuments represent different perspectives on American history, with some viewing them as heritage and others as symbols of racism
These actions reverse decisions made following the George Floyd protests in 2020
The reinstallations align with Trump's executive orders about "beautifying" the capital and his approach to historical interpretation
The Arlington monument includes depictions that sanitize slavery and promote the "Lost Cause" narrative

What's next

The Pike statue is targeted for reinstallation by October after repairs are completed
The "Reconciliation Monument" is expected to be displayed at Arlington National Cemetery in 2027 after refurbishment
Eleanor Holmes Norton will reintroduce legislation to permanently remove the Pike statue
The Army will continue with plans to display the refurbished Arlington monument

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint