Kennedy family members sue to stop Trump's planned arch in D.C.

Nine members of the Kennedy family filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday to block a 250-foot arch planned for Washington, D.C., arguing the structure would obstruct views of their relatives' graves at Arlington National Cemetery. The suit includes children of Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy, both of whom are buried at the cemetery. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not join the suit against his own administration.

Rory Kennedy and Maxwell Kennedy stated that a towering arch casting shadows over the graves of their father, mother, and uncles would undermine democratic principles. The family’s 27-page filing describes the arch as a permanent denigration of the Kennedy gravesites. They noted that President John F. Kennedy chose Arlington so his grave would be accessible to the public and that he specifically appreciated the vista looking back toward the District.

The Kennedys seek to join an existing federal lawsuit that combines cases brought by Vietnam War veterans, an architectural historian, and the governments of D.C. and Virginia. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle called the family’s participation unfortunate, stating the project is intended to honor heroes. The White House expressed confidence that it will be vindicated as the litigation proceeds.

The Trump administration received final approval from the National Capital Planning Commission on Thursday. Officials had planned to break ground in Memorial Circle that same day, but District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan issued an order blocking construction for two weeks. Chutkan previously wrote that the administration’s argument relying on a century-old authorization for unconstructed columns reveals its own flaws.

A forensic analysis cited in the complaint indicates the arch would cast shadows over tens of thousands of graves. It would darken JFK’s memorial on 50 days of the year and briefly block the eternal flame on almost half of those days. The Kennedys said they often visit in the morning for privacy, which is when the shadows would be most pronounced.

Retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Steven Anderson filed a declaration arguing the arch endangers national security. He warned that storing ammunition in a tourist attraction poses a tremendous risk and that launching drones near D.C.’s airport hazards civilians. The Trump administration has characterized the arch as a tribute to military heritage, but critics say construction would interfere with the 24 to 27 funeral services held there every weekday.

The case may ultimately reach the Supreme Court, with experts suggesting Congress is better positioned to tackle the issue through oversight hearings and funding restrictions given the president’s veto power.