Federal Judges Weigh Legal Challenges to Stop Trump Arch Construction
With the Trump administration planning to begin construction of a triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery as early as November 5th, federal judges in D.C. and Virginia are considering last-minute legal challenges aimed at halting the project.
A lawsuit filed by three Vietnam veterans and an architectural historian is pending before U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan in the District. The plaintiffs argue that the proposed 250-foot arch at Memorial Circle would disrespect those buried at the cemetery. The Trump administration has maintained that the arch would serve as a tribute to the nation’s 250th birthday.
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On Friday, both the District of Columbia and Virginia filed a separate lawsuit in federal court.
“As soon as the Defendants break ground on this project, they will inflict irreparable harm on both the District and Virginia,” according to the suit filed by Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
The lawsuit argues that the project would disrupt a significant transportation corridor connecting Virginia and D.C., causing traffic congestion, pollution, and stormwater runoff in the Potomac River. It also claims the construction would interfere with emergency services.
Chutkan consolidated the two cases into a single lawsuit, allowing each group of plaintiffs to present their arguments separately.
A third lawsuit, filed in Virginia federal court in early October, asserts that “President Trump’s latest vanity project” did not undergo proper environmental review and seeks to halt construction.
Details on the Proposed Arch:
During a hearing on Friday, Chutkan questioned the urgency of the project and inquired how the government would be harmed "apart from the executive’s desire to bedazzle the city" if she issued a preliminary injunction while the litigation plays out.
Robert Stander, a government attorney, stated that the arch was a "high priority project" and argued that an injunction would impede government work.
Chutkan and Stander also discussed recent court filings from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, which mentioned defensive features like drones that could be integrated into the design. Chutkan noted this was the first time during the litigation that the government framed the arch as a national defense matter. Stander said he lacked details about the proposed defensive measures.
The government submitted a 106-page plan on Friday that did not mention drones or defense. According to the plan, the arch would stand over 12 stories tall, featuring a large bronze statue of Lady Liberty with wings, carrying a torch with an eternal flame. It would also include an observation deck, two mezzanines, and an occupied roof.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.