Virginia and D.C. Move to Block Trump’s Vanity Arch at Memorial Circle
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Virginia and the District of Columbia went to federal court on Saturday to stop what they describe as a politically driven triumphal arch at Memorial Circle, arguing the plan flouts federal law, threatens the historic landscape, and imposes needless harm on nearby communities.
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit in federal court Saturday seeking an immediate injunction to halt construction of a triumphal arch planned for Memorial Circle in Washington. The suit says the project would inflict “immediate and irreparable harm” on both jurisdictions, worsen traffic, and force them to spend substantial resources simply to contain the damage.
The attorneys general argue that the arch violates the Commemorative Works Act, the Height of Buildings Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. They say the project is moving ahead without specific congressional authorization and would exceed the 130-foot height limit set for Washington structures.
In a statement, Jones said Virginia has a “solemn duty” to protect the dignity of Arlington National Cemetery and that the state will “vigorously litigate” to preserve the area from the project. Schwalb said the construction would cause “serious, immediate, and irreparable harm” to the District and its residents.
The White House, through spokesperson David Ingle, cast the arch as a future “iconic landmark” that would serve as a gateway to Arlington National Cemetery and honor veterans. Ingle declined to comment on the lawsuit when asked.
The National Capital Planning Commission, whose members were appointed by President Donald Trump, approved initial plans for the arch earlier this year and is scheduled to vote on final plans on Nov. 5. Renderings released in April show the design includes winged eagles, a figure of Lady Liberty, and a line from the Pledge of Allegiance. President Trump has also suggested the structure could have a national security function, though those features do not appear in the submitted plans.