A Federal Lawsuit Filed to Halt "Independence Arch" Construction Near Arlington National Cemetery

A federal lawsuit has been filed to challenge President Trump's plans for a proposed 250-foot "Independence Arch" near Arlington National Cemetery, with plaintiffs contending it's a "vanity project" that would disrupt historical sightlines and dishonor military service.

Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit was filed on Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The plaintiffs initiating the legal action are a group of Vietnam War veterans and a retired architectural historian.

The suit challenges President Trump's specific plans for the proposed 250-foot structure, which is slated for Memorial Circle.

Plaintiffs' Arguments

The plaintiffs, represented by Public Citizen Litigation Group, contend that the proposed arch is a "vanity project." They argue that it would disrupt a symbolically significant sightline between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House.

They state that the structure would "dishonor their military and foreign service" by intruding on a view they regularly visit.

Concerns were also raised that the arch could potentially pose a "hazard to air travel at nearby Reagan National Airport." The proposed arch's 250-foot height is more than twice that of the Lincoln Memorial and is planned to be on the ceremonial axis of the capital's monumental core.

Legal Basis

The lawsuit names President Trump, senior White House officials, and the National Park Service (NPS) as defendants.

It alleges violations of the Commemorative Works Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. Plaintiffs argue that required approvals and environmental and historic preservation reviews have not been completed.

Under the Commemorative Works Act, memorials on federal land in Washington generally require congressional authorization.

Administration's Stance

White House spokesman Davis Ingle stated that the arch aims to "enhance the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery for veterans, the families of the fallen, and all Americans alike."

He added that it would serve as a "visual reminder of the noble sacrifices borne by so many American heroes throughout our 250-year history."

President Trump "will continue to honor our veterans and give the greatest Nation on earth America the glory it deserves," Ingle affirmed.

The administration frames the proposal as part of broader efforts to commemorate the country's 250th anniversary through new monuments and public works highlighting American history and military service.

Related Opposition

This legal challenge follows a separate lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. That case concerns plans for a privately funded ballroom at the White House East Wing.