In West Potomac Park on the edge of the National Mall, workers were smoothing freshly poured concrete on a large pedestal, part of a project involving gazebos donated by Uzbekistan’s government. The Trump administration says the proposed 'garden of heroes'—featuring 250 statues of notable Americans—is 'only an idea' and faces lawsuits, needing congressional and design approval. Yet, actions like pouring concrete, cutting trees in East Potomac Park for a luxury golf course, and boring test holes at an arch site suggest otherwise.

Critics, including Ed Stierli of the National Parks Conservation Association, argue the administration is 'building or doing work in plain sight while claiming that they’re not doing the work.' West Potomac Park is part of the National Mall Reserve, a heavily restricted area where Congress declared in 2003 that no new memorials can be built without its consent. Interior Department spokeswoman Katie Martin stated the Uzbek 'aywans' will be exhibited to celebrate U.S.-Uzbek ties but did not clarify if they are temporary. The administration maintains it hasn’t acted in ways that justify legal challenges, despite visible construction and planning.