Confederate Memorial to Return to Arlington by 2027

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Confederate Memorial by Moses Ezekiel will be returned to Arlington National Cemetery, a move supported by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. The statue was previously removed in 2023 under the Biden administration due to its Confederate ties and depictions of slavery. Supporters claim the restoration honors American history and reconciliation, while critics argue it glorifies the Confederacy and perpetuates the 'Lost Cause' myth. This action is part of a wider Trump administration initiative, which also includes reinstalling the statue of Confederate General Albert Pike in Washington, D.C. The Confederate Memorial is expected to return to Arlington by 2027 after refurbishment. The decision has reignited debate over historical memory and the representation of the Civil War in public spaces.