Kennedy relatives join lawsuit to stop proposed Trump arch near Arlington

Nine members of the Kennedy family, including children and grandchildren of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and former Senator Ted Kennedy, filed court papers on Tuesday seeking to intervene in a lawsuit challenging a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery. The filing argues the structure would block sightlines to the Kennedy family gravesites and the Eternal Flame honoring President John F. Kennedy, and would "permanently cast a shadow over the graves of servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, including the Kennedy Gravesites."

Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy said in a statement, "Americans from every corner of the country visit Arlington to honor those who served and sacrificed for our nation. A towering arch casting shadows across the graves of our father, mother, and uncles, as well as the graves of so many who have served our country, would also cast a shadow over our democratic principles, undermining the safeguards established by our elected representatives to protect this hallowed ground for generations to come."

The lawsuit also names the city of Washington, D.C., and the Commonwealth of Virginia as defendants. Several Vietnam War veterans have joined the case against the Trump administration, which proposes the arch as a tribute to 250 years of American independence. The project is slated for a traffic circle across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.

Local officials, congressional Democrats, and veterans have expressed opposition, citing concerns that the arch would obstruct the view between the cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial and that proper legal procedures were not followed. The National Capital Planning Commission, whose members are aligned with the administration, approved the plan last week, but U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a 14-day pause on construction-related activity, finding the proposal likely illegal. Plaintiffs are seeking a longer-term injunction.

The Justice Department declined to comment on the filing. White House spokesman Davis Ingle said the administration is confident it will be vindicated and looks forward to completing the arch. The Kennedy family has previously opposed other Trump-initiated changes to Washington landmarks, including attempts to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.