Kennedy family joins lawsuit to block President Trump's proposed Washington arch

Nine members of the Kennedy family filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to halt President Trump's proposed 250-foot arch in Washington, D.C., arguing that the structure would obstruct views of their ancestors' graves, including the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame, at Arlington National Cemetery.

In a statement, Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy said the arch would "cast shadows across the graves of our father, mother, and uncles, as well as the graves of so many who have served our country," and warned it would "cast a shadow over our democratic principles."

The filing, submitted hours before Veterans' Day, claims the monument would permanently denigrate the Kennedy gravesites and prevent visitors from appreciating the sites as intended. The plaintiffs include children of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy and a son of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, all interred at Arlington.

White House spokesperson Davis Ingle responded that the arch is meant to honor the heroes buried at Arlington and expressed confidence that the administration will be vindicated as the litigation proceeds.

The Kennedy suit joins two earlier federal actions: one by Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian, and another by the governments of the District of Columbia and Virginia. The Arlington County Board has also filed a separate suit in Virginia.

President Trump's administration received final approval for the arch from the National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday, but District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan issued a two-week stay on construction to review the broader legal challenges. The administration argues the project is justified by a century-old authorization for two unbuilt columns at the site, a claim the judge described as flawed.

Legal experts said the Kennedy family's involvement strengthens the plaintiffs' standing. Georgetown University law professor David Super noted that a judge would likely be uncomfortable dismissing concerns about family graves, especially given the administration's recent remarks about the Kennedy Center.

The Kennedy filing cites a forensic analysis indicating the arch would cast shadows over tens of thousands of graves, darkening the JFK memorial on about 50 days a year and briefly obscuring the eternal flame on nearly half of those days.

Opponents, including veterans and cemetery officials, argue the arch would disrupt the solemnity of Arlington and interfere with daily funeral services. A retired Army brigadier general warned that storing ammunition near the monument could pose security risks.

Democrats have pledged to use their upcoming congressional majority to challenge the project, though analysts note that President Trump's veto power may shift the final decision to the Supreme Court.