WASHINGTON — The legal challenges to President Donald Trump’s proposed memorial arch are mounting, with the District of Columbia and Virginia suing in federal court Saturday as the administration says construction could begin as early as next week.
There are now three lawsuits calling for a halt to potential work on a monument that would rise 250 feet on a patch of grass off the bridge that spans the Potomac River, connecting the city with Arlington National Cemetery. That would make the arch 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty is from its base to the top of the torch.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan is already considering issuing an order to halt the project until the original lawsuit against the Trump administration by three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian is resolved. She held a hearing Friday but did not immediately act, though she said she would move expeditiously.
In the latest lawsuit, two attorneys general, Brian Schwalb of Washington and Jay Jones of Virginia, argue that “as soon as Defendants break ground on this project, they will inflict irreparable harm on both the District and Virginia. The Arch site sits at the center of a major traffic artery between the District and Virginia, in the monumental core of the capital, on an island that straddles the Potomac River. During the three-year period of construction, the Arch project will inevitably snarl traffic between the jurisdictions, produce pollution and stormwater runoff in the Potomac, interfere with emergency services, and pose numerous other challenges. ‘’
{{/usCountry}}In the latest lawsuit, two attorneys general, Brian Schwalb of Washington and Jay Jones of Virginia, argue that “as soon as Defendants break ground on this project, they will inflict irreparable harm on both the District and Virginia. The Arch site sits at the center of a major traffic artery between the District and Virginia, in the monumental core of the capital, on an island that straddles the Potomac River. During the three-year period of construction, the Arch project will inevitably snarl traffic between the jurisdictions, produce pollution and stormwater runoff in the Potomac, interfere with emergency services, and pose numerous other challenges. ‘’
{{/usCountry}}As the original plaintiffs have, they also are seeking a temporary restraining order that would slow the administration’s plans to move ahead imminently with construction.
“The Triumphal Arch in Memorial Circle is going to be one of the most iconic landmarks not only in Washington, D.C., but throughout the world," said White House spokesman Davis Ingle in an email. “It will serve as a gateway to Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike, serving as a visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250 year history so we can enjoy our freedoms today."
The lawsuit raises concerns about how the traffic interruption would impact emergency responses in a region where joint operations are the norm, including the January 2025 midair collision between a military helicopter and airliner that killed 67.
The Republican administration, in a recent court filing, said it had plans to seek final approval of the project, a Trump-favorite, at Thursday’s meeting of the National Capital Planning Commission and possibly begin construction the same day, despite the then-two active lawsuits pending.
On Friday, the government submitted a 106-page plan for the arch that envisions a massive structure more than 12 stories high that includes a huge bronze statue of Lady Liberty with wings and carrying a torch with an eternal flame. The structure would include an observation deck with views to the east and west, an “occupied roof” and two mezzanines.
Inside the arch are rooms for program space, offices, a staff lounge, circular staircases, multiple elevators and a “fire command center.” The project proposes significant traffic changes in the area, including rerouting traffic on nearby roads. Administration officials have said the arch also will have a national security function.
Chutkan asked what the urgency was and how would the government be harmed “apart from the executive’s desire to bedazzle the city” if she issues a preliminary injunction while the lawsuit plays out. Administration lawyer Robert Stander said the arch was “absolutely a high priority project” and were Chutkan to step in, that would impede the work of the government.
The lawsuits are among several that have been filed against the government as Trump seeks to remake the nation's capital at breakneck speed, prompting judges and plaintiffs to balk.
U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes said Friday she would open a “formal inquiry” to investigate if federal attorneys violated ethical boundaries, including making misrepresentations to the court, during a legal dispute about the East Potomac Golf Link project. Trump wants the public course overhauled so it could host professional tournaments.
There is a hearing Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper on a motion from Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, an ex-officio member of the Kennedy Center board, seeking the release of communications between the center's management and administration officials. The government has refused so far, citing executive privilege. Trump is the board chair.
Beatty alleged in a separate filing Friday that the government withheld information from trustees, including an analysis from the construction manager, that would have shown that a closure was not necessary. She is challenging a government request that Cooper dissolve an injunction he put in place to stop plans to shutter the performing arts venue for two years for renovation. That injunction also called for the removal of Trump's name, which had been placed on the center in December.
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.